Lab Manager (Central Research Lab)

Job Summary

The Lab Manager will lead and run daily laboratory operations for cement, concrete and aggregate testing, maintain laboratory safety practices and procedures, maintain national accreditation by following AASHTO R18 and ASTM C1077 standards, manage lab technician's daily duties, and maintain all laboratory testing equipment’s functionality. 

Benefits

At CalPortland, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That’s why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full-time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and a retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.

Compensation

Responsibilities

• Manage, train and support laboratory staff with their routine and non-routine tasks, e.g., analysis of customer service samples, import cement samples, plant support projects, and R&D projects to assure efficient and timely delivery of quality test results
• Lead efforts to maintain the functionality of all laboratory equipment, such as compression machines, concrete and mortar mixers, humidity rooms, environmental chambers, XRF, XRD, Calorimetry, ICP, AA, and more, with timely calibrations, coordination of service contract, etc. 
• Maintain laboratory safety at its highest standards according to the company’s guidelines and policies
• Manage and lead all efforts to maintain AASHTO and ASTM accreditation by leading CCRL inspection and proficiency testing programs, assuring all tests and procedures are followed precisely according to ASTM/AASHTO procedures
• Provide reports and updates to management, including the progress of projects and lab status
• Assist internal project coordinator, and other stakeholders with the execution of their projects
• Provide for outside contractors as required for maintenance of laboratory building and equipment
• Assist with the preparation of various laboratory reports
• Prepare requisitions and make recommendations for laboratory chemicals and supplies
• Manage laboratory’s lean and housekeeping activities, as well as maintain inventory for all laboratory items
• Assist with tracking laboratory operating budget and preparation of capital budget
• Keep current on lab certifications and documentation

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering, Material Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, with minimum 5 years of relevant experience

Requirements/Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and experience with cement, concrete, and aggregate materials and testing with respect to current ASTM and AASHTO standards
• Minimum of 5 years of successful supervisory experience
• Strong instrumentation skills, hand tools, and hands-on experience to troubleshoot laboratory equipment to fix basic issues. 
• Good understanding of the physics and fundamentals of materials characterization tools (XRD, XRF, TGA, etc.)
• Strong communication skills 
• Ability to motivate and influence others
• Well-versed in Microsoft Office Apps, mainly Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Planner, etc.)
• Must be able to work cooperatively with others
• ACI and ASTM certifications preferred

Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require FMCSA-regulated ongoing drug and alcohol testing.