Laboratory Assistant Project Manager- Geotechnical

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Laboratory Assistant Project Manager to support the day-to-day operations of our high-volume Geotechnical and Construction Materials Testing Laboratory in Totowa, NJ. This role is ideal for a laboratory professional with strong geotechnical testing experience or a geotechnical engineer with experience in using testing data who is ready to take on greater leadership and project management responsibilities.

Working alongside the Laboratory Manager, you'll assist with overseeing laboratory operations, manage testing programs, support staff development, coordinate multiple projects, and ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across the lab. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a mix of technical work, team leadership, problem-solving, and client interaction, while growing their career within a collaborative and expanding team. We are open to considering qualified candidates who are willing to relocate for this opportunity, and relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

• Under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager, assists with efficient daily and long-term management of the Geotechnical and Construction Material.
• Laboratory operations including but not limited to supervising staff working in the lab, training, maintenance of laboratory equipment, quality assurance, safety and productivity of the laboratory.
• Project management of multiple projects including budget control, control costs, staffing, testing and lookahead coordination.
• Manage, oversee, perform testing and submit testing results for rock, advanced, specialized and research testing which consists of the following testing but not limited to triaxial (UC, UU, CU, CD), direct shear, direct simple shear (DSS), cyclic DSS and triaxial, permeability, special mix testing (soil, cement, bentonite, etc.) and rock (slake, uniaxial, triaxial, shear).
• Generate, calculate and compile laboratory testing reports and issue to clients.
• Assist in maintaining and organizing the laboratory workload to meet given deadlines and proactive in assessing bottlenecks in workflows and processes to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Experience with MS Excel to generate lab testing reports is essential.
• Assist with entering lab units and billing information.
• Assist with overseeing and providing training for existing and entry-level staff and maintains training documentation to ensure that all testing methods are performed in a safe and reliable manner.
• Assist with internal and external communication with outside clients and CED staff.
• Mechanically inclined to help with equipment trouble shooting and repairs is prefered.
• Assist with ensuring that lab is clean, organized and adequately stocked including but not limited to supply inventory, labeling and record keeping procedures.
• Assist with overseeing lab safety and lab SOP (standard operating procedures) including but not limited to proper specimen and chemical handling, disposal and storage processes and procedures.
• Communicating effectively and efficiently with contractors, clients and team members.
• Work Environment may include moderate to loud noise, dusty conditions, and require standing for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range.
• Weekend and overtime work is required as needed based on laboratory workload; some limited overnight and interstate travel may be required with this position.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific responsibilities does not preclude the laboratory manager from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.