Laboratory Operations & Safety Manager

Description

LABORATORY OPERATIONS AND SAFETY MANAGER

Location: Tacoma WA (Onsite)

Department: Technical Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

About The Role

APA - The Engineered Wood Association is seeking a Lab Operations and Safety Manager to lead our accredited testing laboratories on the APA Tacoma campus. This role is ideal for an experienced people manager with a strong engineering background who thrives in a laboratory environment and is passionate about operational excellence, safety leadership, and team development.

This position oversees laboratory operations supporting engineered wood product testing for APA members and internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will manage staff, drive continuous improvement, and ensure laboratory compliance with quality, safety, and accreditation requirements.

Local candidates or those willing to relocate to Tacoma, WA area are required.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Operations Leadership

• Lead and manage laboratory testing, product qualification, and research programs in support of APA members and technical teams
• Establish performance standards and continuously improve laboratory productivity and service delivery
• Manage laboratory workloads, staffing, and resource allocation to meet service levels and project timelines
• Serve as acting authority for all lab operations in the absence of the Vice President, Technical Services
  
  

People Management & Team leadership (Critical)

• Directly manage and develop a team of technicians and support staff (13 total reports)
• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate performance, and address employee relations issues
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance team culture
  
  

Safety Leadership (Critical)

• Serve as the primary safety leader for laboratory facilities
• Enforce safety policies, conduct Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), lead inspections, and ensure compliance with all safety standards
• Manager hazardous materials and ensure a workplace free of recognized and correctable hazards
• Actively participate in the APA Safety Committee
• Service as the primary emergency contact for laboratory facilities
  
  

Technical & Project Management

• Partner with technical leaders to ensure test accuracy, reliability, and compliance with standards
• Review and approve test data, reports, and publications
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities
• Oversee metrology, data acquisition systems, and laboratory equipment design when applicable
  
  

Facility & Asset Management

• Manage laboratory assets, equipment procurement, maintenance, and replacement
• Ensure facilities and equipment are operated according to established procedures
• Act as the primary contact during laboratory emergencies
  
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science (Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, Structural, or related discipline)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  
  

Experience

• 3-5 years of people management experience in a technical, laboratory, or industrial environment
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects and competing priorities
• Prior experience in a laboratory setting is highly preferred
• Prior experience leading or managing safety programs
• Strong project management and organizational skills
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including presenting complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and develop teams
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Experience with LEAN, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is a plus
• Skilled with Microsoft 365 suite
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Full-time onsite role at APA's Tacoma campus
• Must be available for an emergency on-call support during weekends or evenings as needed.
• Ability to work in laboratory and industrial environments, including exposure to noise, equipment, and airborne particles
• Ability to life up to 50 pounds and work at heights is preferred
  
  

About APA

Founded in 1922 and based in Tacoma, Washington, APA represents about 175 plywood, oriented strand board, glulam timber, wood joist, rim board, cross-laminated timber and structural composite mills throughout North America. Its primary functions are quality auditing and testing, applied research and market support and development.

Perks And Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $101,600 to $130,000 annually, based on experience
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Supportive work culture focused on collaboration and innovation
• Paid vacation with a minimum of 3 weeks per year
• Paid sick leave accruing at 12 days per year
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• 11 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision for employee and dependents
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Long-term Disability insurance
• Employee Identity Theft Protection
  
  

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are ready to make a difference in the engineered wood industry and be part of a dynamic team, we want to hear from you. Apply today! Come grow with us!

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application process, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Manager by email at hr@apawood.org or by mail to HR Manager, 7011 S 19th St, Tacoma WA 98466.

Explore more about us at www.apawood.org and join APA in shaping the future of sustainable construction.

APA is an EOE-Disability/Vets employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.