Job Description

Laboratory Manager

Department: Geotechnical

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Reno, NV

Compensation: $40.25 - $50.50 / hour

Description

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.

A day in the life as a Wood Rodgers' Laboratory Manager

• 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.

Qualifications & Skills

• 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, MetaField, 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, training, and location. Base pay is just one part of the comprehensive compensation package offered by Wood Rodgers. If you feel you meet the requirements but may be outside of the pay range, please apply anyway and let’s talk through it.

How we elevate your game

Joining Wood Rodgers comes with perks to support you in your personal and professional journey.

• A Unique Culture: An engineering firm that doesn’t feel like one. We are inventors that ask, “why not?” with leadership that empowers employees to grow, challenge convention, and develop creative solutions. We throw big parties, get random days off, and constantly are shown how the company reinvests in our employees rather than corporate bottom-lines. These all help build a great culture, but at the core are great people; people who want to learn, teach, help, and collaborate.
• Teamwork: experience what being a part of the Wood Rodgers family feels like. Be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged and cheered on by your teammates to live a big life, personally and professionally while you work with us. Visit our website to get a feel or check us out on social media @woodrodgersinc!
• Learning + Development: take on leadership development programs and goal setting to create big possibilities for your career and life. Develop within the company; be mentored and grow to your potential as a leader from the minute you’re hired.