Team Lead - SVOA Prep Laboratory

Onterris; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris seeks a Team Lead for the Semi-Volatile Organics (SVOA) laboratory in Orange, CA. You will partner with the Group Leader to supervise daily extraction activities and deliver accurate results while upholding safety and quality standards.

The role requires a Chemistry degree with 4+ years of lab extraction experience and at least 1 year of leadership. Expect a 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday schedule, with room for growth and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry or related science; equivalent combos considered.
• 4+ years hands-on environmental lab extraction experience.
• 1+ year leading staff, assigning work and ensuring quality.
• Proficiency in EPA extraction methods and QA/QC systems.
• Ability to work independently with sound technical judgment.
• Experience with LIMS and laboratory data systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily SVOA extraction operations and mentor staff.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, EPA methods, holding times.
• Review documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate workload, train, and promote safety and quality.
• Support audits, equipment maintenance, and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

QA/QC

Data integrity

Audit readiness

Technical judgment

Safety compliance

Team mentorship

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

LIMS

EPA Methods 8270/8081/8082/8151

NELAC/TNI-accredited knowledge

Job description

About UsAt Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.A Day in the LifeAs a Team Lead in our Orange, CA, Laboratory, you’ll work with the Group Leader to keep daily SVOA operations running smoothly. You'll be a hands-on technical resource, supporting teammates, coordinating workflow, tackling complex extractions, and helping the team deliver quality results - safely, efficiently, and on time.The Semi-volatile Extractions Team Lead is responsible for leading daily extraction operations within the Semi-Volatile Organics (SVOA) laboratory. This position serves as a technical resource and mentor for extraction staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory methods, quality requirements, holding times, and laboratory productivity goals. The Team Lead performs complex sample preparation and extraction procedures, provides technical guidance, coordinates workflow, assists with training, and promotes a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.The compensation range for this role is $26 to $30, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.Department: Semi-Volatile Organics (SVOA)Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PMTo thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:Ensure staff is properly trained and following approved SOPs.Lead daily extraction activities to ensure samples are processed accurately and within required holding times.Coordinate workload distribution and prioritize samples based on turnaround time commitments and project requirements.Perform routine and complex extraction procedures in accordance with approved SOPs and EPA methodologies.Review extraction documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.Monitor extraction quality control performance and assist with investigations of out-of-control events, nonconformances, or corrective actions.Train and mentor extraction personnel on laboratory procedures, safety practices, and quality requirements.Assist group leader with staffing decisions, workflow planning, and productivity improvement initiatives.Ensure laboratory work areas remain organized, properly maintained, and audit-ready.Assist with instrument and equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs.Support internal, client, regulatory, and accreditation audits as required.Promote compliance with all laboratory safety, quality assurance, and company policies.Act as a liaison between extraction staff and laboratory management regarding operational concerns and opportunities for improvement.Participate in method development, process optimization, and continuous improvement projects.Monitor consumable inventory, instrument readiness, and laboratory throughput to support uninterrupted operations.Reinforce laboratory safety practices, PPE requirements, and regulatory compliance.Provide day-to-day leadership and technical direction to extraction personnel.Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.Monitor employee competency and provide constructive coaching.Provide timely feedback regarding employee training progress, technical competency, quality compliance, and adherence to laboratory proceduresLead by example in maintaining quality, safety, productivity, and professionalism standards.Your Expertise and Skills These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.Minimum four years of hands-on environmental laboratory extraction experience.Minimum one year of demonstrated ability to lead staff, assign work, monitor workflow and productivity and promote accountability to quality and performance standards. Demonstrated proficiency in the following EPA extraction methodologies:EPA 3510 – Separatory Funnel Liquid-Liquid ExtractionEPA 3541 – Soxhlet ExtractionEPA 3546 – Microwave ExtractionEPA 3580 – Waste DilutionAbility to work independently and exercise sound technical judgmentStrong understanding of QA/QC systems, data integrity principles, and audit readiness.Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical resource for extraction personnel, including interpretation of quality control data, method requirements, and regulatory compliance expectationDemonstrated understanding of extraction method performance, laboratory control limits, quality trends, and corrective action implementationDemonstrated ability to independently investigate, diagnose and resolve technical, quality and workflow related issues Proficiency with LIMS and laboratory data systems.Strong understanding of sample preservation, holding times, chain of custody requirements, and data defensibility.Experience working within a NELAC/TNI-accredited or equivalent environmental laboratory.Perform other duties as assigned.Ability to stand for extended periods.Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.Ability to work safely with solvents, acids, bases, and other laboratory chemicals.Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).Preferred SkillsPrevious experience serving as a lead technician, senior technician, trainer, or acting supervisor.Experience with EPA methods 8270, 8081, 8082, 8151, or related environmental testing programs and their associated preparatory methods.Experience participating in audits, corrective actions, and quality investigations.Demonstrated success improving workflow efficiency, training programs, or laboratory performance metrics.Work Environment and Physical RequirementsThe physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.Works in a laboratory and/or office environmentSitting, standing, and walkingMust be able to work in a stationary position for entire shift durationLifting and moving up to 25 lbs independently and 50 lbs using assisted lifting equipment#LI-SG1#INDONTOnterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com .We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.