Prep Department Group Leader - Laboratory

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,interwovenand 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’renot just forging acareer,you’rejoining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smartersolutionsand lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

As a Prep Department Group Leader in our Wilmington, NC lab, PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation is a results-driven, technically grounded leadership role responsible for directing the daily operations of the sample preparation group in a high-throughput environmental laboratory.

This position calls for an individual who combines strong analytical capability with an approachable leadership style, someone who sets clear expectations, coaches their team to meet them, and trusts people to deliver.

The compensation range for this role is $65,000 to $85,000, in addition to an annual bonus, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Schedule:

Monday - Friday

• Lead the PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation group, setting clear performance standards and coaching the team to deliver consistent, high-quality output that meets client and regulatory requirements
• Direct day-to-day sample preparation operations by planning workflows, setting priorities, and making confident scheduling decisions while keeping the team informed and aligned
• Act as a working leader who performs sample preparation as needed, using those moments to model best practices and develop staff skills through real-time guidance
• Manage staffing responsibilities including hiring, training, and performance evaluation
• Build a culture of ownership where team members understand what’s expected, have the support they need, and take responsibility for their results
• Invest in people’s growth while holding them accountable to clearly defined expectations
• Follow through consistently on priorities and commitments, ensuring the team stays on track

• Manage and execute PFAS and dioxin sample preparation processes in accordance with applicable EPA and regulatory methods
• Ensure proper preparation of air, water, soil, and other environmental matrices with consistent attention to protocol adherence
• Troubleshoot preparation issues, non-routine samples, and process deviations by applying deep technical expertise and coaching others through problem-solving when appropriate
• Prepare and review standards, reagents, and spiking solutions with careful attention to accuracy
• Maintain well-organized, accurate sample preparation records and documentation

• Uphold strict adherence to Onterris’ Quality Assurance Program, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, treating compliance as a shared responsibility across the team
• Investigate and resolve non-conformance events and corrective actions thoroughly, identifying root causes and working with the team to prevent recurrence
• Author, review, and update sample preparation SOPs, ensuring documentation is precise, current, and practical for day-to-day use
• Lead audit preparation and participate directly in internal, client, and regulatory audits with a solid command of relevant data and processes
• Stay current on emerging regulatory requirements and methodologies through proactive monitoring of industry…