Laboratory Manager

Department: Geotechnical

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Reno, NV

Compensation: $40.25 - $50.50 / hour

Are you looking for a career where you can create a positive working environment and help achieve better employee relations? Are you flexible, proactive, easy to approach, like ‘figuring things out’ and have a sense of humor? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Wood Rodgers, a leading engineering consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to oversee the daily operations of our geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory. The successful candidate will oversee laboratory operations supporting soils, asphalt, concrete, and aggregate testing while ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and quality requirements. This role is responsible for leading laboratory staff, maintaining efficient workflows, and delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality testing services.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage quality systems, accreditation programs, operational priorities, and client relationships. We are seeking a hands-on leader who takes ownership of laboratory performance, fosters a collaborative team environment, and drives a culture of quality, efficiency, and exceptional service.

This is a staffed, hourly, non-exempt position.

• Oversee daily laboratory operations for soils, asphalt, concrete, and aggregate testing, ensuring compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, agency, AAP/AMRL, and CCRL standards.
• Manage laboratory quality systems, including accreditation requirements, audits, proficiency testing, quality control procedures, and recordkeeping.
• Coordinate equipment calibration, verification, maintenance, inventory, and procurement to support efficient laboratory operations.
• Plan and prioritize laboratory workloads to ensure accurate, timely testing, reporting, and data management using laboratory management software.
• Review test results and laboratory reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project and quality requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate laboratory technicians while fostering a safe, productive, and quality-focused work environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, process efficiencies, and implementation of laboratory technologies and management systems.

• 5+ years of experience in construction materials testing and/or geotechnical laboratory operations, including soils, concrete, asphalt, and aggregate testing.
• Thorough knowledge of ASTM and AASHTO testing standards, laboratory quality systems, equipment calibration programs, and AMRL/AASHTO and CCRL accreditation requirements.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, records, quality control programs, audits, and proficiency testing while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Meta Field, gINT, LIMS, and other laboratory data management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop technical staff while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Previous laboratory management or supervisory experience preferred.
• Current ACI, NICET, WAQTC, ICC, or other applicable industry certifications preferred.
• Experience supporting state DOT, municipal, and private-sector testing programs preferred.

A note on hourly pay ranges:

The range does not reflect geographic variations and may fluctuate above or below the stated amount. Offers will be based on several factors, including experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications,…