At WETLAB, our purpose is simple and meaningful: Data for Environmental Solutions.
Western Environmental Testing Laboratory is a client-focused environmental laboratory providing testing and analytical services that help our customers make informed decisions about the environments and communities in which we live, work, and play. WETLAB specializes in environmental analysis and has built its culture around responsive service, high-quality laboratory data, innovation, and technical excellence.
We’re looking for a Sample Control Lead to lead one of the most important connections in our operation—the point where our clients, their samples, and our laboratory come together.
If you enjoy leading people, improving processes, solving problems, building strong client relationships, and making sure the details are right, this may be the opportunity for you.
The Role
The Sample Control Lead manages the people, systems, and daily operations that keep WETLAB’s Sample Control department running effectively. You’ll lead and develop the Sample Control team while ensuring samples move through the receiving and preparation process accurately, efficiently, and within required hold times.
You’ll also serve as an important liaison between our clients, Sample Control staff, laboratory personnel, and management—balancing exceptional client service with operational quality, productivity, and precision.
This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can see both the people and the process: developing a great team today while continually looking for better ways to work tomorrow.
Our Core Values
Our Core Values aren't just words on a wall. They guide how we work, how we treat one another, and how we serve our clients. WETLAB’s careers site similarly describes trust and respect as the foundation of teamwork while emphasizing precision, adaptability, innovation, collaboration, and fun.
Trust & Respect — We hold one another in high regard and operate with integrity, honesty, reliability, and respect. As a leader, you'll build trust, communicate openly, and create an environment where people can do their best work.
Innovation — We are creative thinkers who welcome new perspectives. You'll be encouraged to question how things have always been done, improve processes and technology, and help the department continually grow.
Flexibility — Environmental testing is dynamic, and our clients' needs can change quickly. You'll help your team adapt, adjust priorities, solve problems, and keep things moving.
Precision — The details matter. From sample condition and preservation to hold times, documentation, and communication, we expect accuracy and attention to detail so our laboratory can deliver credible science.
Fun — Our work is important, but we don't believe serious work requires a serious workplace all the time. We value positive energy, community, teamwork, and people who help make WETLAB an enjoyable place to work.
What You'll Do
As Sample Control Lead, you will:
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the Sample Control team.
- Plan, direct, and manage daily Sample Control operations to deliver excellent service, quality, and productivity.
- Ensure samples are received, prepared, filtered, preserved, and delivered to laboratory personnel intact, under proper conditions, and within required hold times.
- Coordinate subcontracted samples to ensure proper handling and timely delivery.
- Serve as a liaison between clients, Sample Control, laboratory staff, and management.
- Establish and maintain high standards for service quality and the overall client experience.
- Assess workloads, optimize staffing, and ensure appropriate coverage during business hours.
- Coordinate courier schedules and client sampling events.
- Develop and maintain client relationships while helping execute WETLAB's Client Retention Plan.
- Identify opportunities for process and technology improvements and lead their implementation.
- Monitor departmental productivity, Daily Standards, goals, and priorities.
- Set performance expectations, provide feedback, conduct reviews, and support employee development.
- Lead onboarding, training, and procedure reviews for Sample Control employees.
- Ensure required safety training is completed and safety protocols are followed.
- Partner with Human Resources on employee questions, performance matters, and disciplinary actions when needed.
- Review schedules, timecards, PTO/sick leave, and staffing needs while working to minimize unnecessary overtime.
- Participate in interviewing and selecting future members of the team.
- Help maintain an organized, professional, and client-ready front office and Sample Control environment.
- Support WETLAB priorities and other responsibilities as needed.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for a leader who combines strong people skills with operational discipline. You'll be successful in this role if you bring:
- Strong leadership, coaching, and motivational skills.
- The ability to build and sustain productive, respectful relationships across teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- A client-service mindset and experience navigating challenging or time-sensitive situations.
- Strong organizational, planning, and project-management abilities.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and people in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- A collaborative, results-driven approach with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Excellent time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Education & Experience
- 2+ years of management experience desired
- Bachelor's degree preferred
- Previous laboratory experience preferred
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position works in a typical office and laboratory environment and may require sitting or standing for extended periods, bending, twisting, grasping, walking stairs, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Some travel may be required, including occasional overnight travel, early mornings, or late nights.
Candidates must have U.S. work authorization and be able to successfully complete WETLAB's pre-employment background check and drug screening requirements.
Why WETLAB?
We believe our employees are one of our greatest strengths. WETLAB describes its culture as flexible, growth-oriented, collaborative, innovative, and designed to give team members opportunities to achieve both professional and personal goals.
Benefits for this position include:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available to full-time employees for $15/month
- 401(k) with employer match after six months of employment
- Continuous learning and training opportunities
- Monthly Lunch & Learn meetings
- Monthly employee lunches or BBQs, weather permitting
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're a leader who believes great service starts with a great team—and you want your work to contribute to something bigger—we'd like to meet you.
Bring your leadership. Bring your ideas. Bring your attention to detail. And help WETLAB deliver Data for Environmental Solutions.
Join WETLAB.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
