Lab Manager

Job Summary: Certerra is actively seeking a knowledgeable and driven Laboratory Manager to lead operations within our Geotechnical and Construction Materials Testing Laboratory based in Buda, Texas. This leadership role calls for a well-rounded professional with hands-on experience in geotechnical, soil, rock, asphalt, and concrete testing, as well as laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and safety management. The Lab Manager will be responsible for overseeing daily lab functions, managing personnel, and upholding our commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality test data to support diverse infrastructure and construction projects.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a pivotal role in complex, high-profile projects while working alongside a dedicated, experienced technical team.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the geotechnical and material testing lab, including scheduling, personnel oversight, and workflow coordination.
• Develop and enforce lab operating procedures, safety protocols, and quality assurance programs to maintain test accuracy and reliability.
• Plan, perform, and supervise geotechnical and materials testing services including but not limited to soil classification, compaction, permeability, shear strength, consolidation testing, asphalt, concrete and mortar testing.
• Review, analyze, and interpret laboratory data, preparing technical reports with detailed findings and recommendations.
• Evaluates the performance of all employees within the laboratory and assists them in their professional development and growth, consistent with company policies and procedures.
• Supervises the efficient utilization of facilities and equipment assigned to the laboratory and makes requests for additional equipment and facilities as needed to meet the client’s demands.
• Oversees the proper organization and appearance of the laboratory area, including keeping the area and equipment clean and uncluttered.
• Ensures that laboratory personnel follow company administrative policies. Examples of such policies include, but are not limited to, time sheets, expense reports and purchase order requirements.
• With the assistance from the Materials and/or Geotechnical Department Manager, plans, recruits, selects and provides training for personnel in the department.
• May be required to perform construction and geotechnical related laboratory testing based on workload and staffing.
• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and safe operation of all laboratory instruments and testing equipment.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, field technicians, and clients to provide technical support and solutions throughout project execution.
• Remain current on emerging industry standards, regulatory updates, and advancements in laboratory practices.

Education/Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or related field and 5 years’ experience performing laboratory tests on construction and geotechnical materials. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 8 years’ related experience.
• Certification by qualified national, regional or state authorities (ACI, NICET, DOT) or in-house certification is required in areas such as concrete, aggregates, soil and rock, or road and paving materials.

Physical Requirements:

• Be able to lift materials and equipment up to 50 Ibs and ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, standing, and walking as needed during safety inspections and training sessions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.