Southern Environmental Testing
SUMMARY
The Laboratory Assistant Manager serves as a key member of the laboratory leadership team and provides operational, administrative, and quality system support to the Laboratory Manager. This position assists in managing day-to-day laboratory operations, personnel administration, customer communication, quality assurance activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives. The Laboratory Assistant Manager helps ensure the laboratory operates efficiently while maintaining compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, applicable EPA and ADEM regulations, and company quality standards.
The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational and leadership skills, excellent customer service abilities, and a thorough understanding of environmental laboratory operations.
EXPERIENCE
Position Summary:
Assist the Laboratory Manager with daily laboratory operations and workflow management.
Serve as acting Laboratory Manager during periods of absence.
Monitor sample throughput, turnaround times, and laboratory productivity metrics.
Coordinate sample transfers to subcontract laboratories and company locations.
Assist with project setup, chain-of-custody generation, bottle kit preparation, and scheduling.
Support implementation of new methods, technologies, and operational improvements.
Assist with laboratory staffing coordination and workload balancing.
Review and approve employee timecards and attendance records.
Assist with employee scheduling, PTO tracking, and staffing coverage.
Track laboratory expenditures and maintain budget-related records.
Process purchase requests and coordinate procurement activities.
Manage laboratory supply inventories and reorder consumables as necessary.
Coordinate vendor relationships and maintain approved supplier records.
Prepare operational reports and performance metrics for management review.
Support implementation and maintenance of the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS).
Assist the Quality Manager and Laboratory Manager in maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Ensure laboratory personnel follow approved procedures, methods, and quality requirements.
Participate in internal audits, management reviews, and corrective action activities.
Assist in investigating nonconforming work and implementing corrective actions.
Monitor training records, competency assessments, and qualification documentation.
Promote a culture of quality, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
Ensure proper documentation control and record retention practices.
Review analytical data for completeness and compliance with quality requirements.
Generate, review, and issue final and revised analytical reports through the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Ensure timely delivery of reports and electronic data deliverables (EDDs).
Submit drinking water compliance data through AEPACS and other applicable regulatory systems.
Assist in maintaining data integrity, traceability, and defensibility of laboratory records.
Monitor turnaround times and reporting performance.
Supervise, mentor, and train laboratory personnel as assigned.
Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.
Monitor employee performance and provide coaching to improve effectiveness.
Reinforce company policies, laboratory procedures, and quality requirements.
Foster a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and professionalism.
Serve as a primary point of contact for customers regarding laboratory services and analytical results.
Review customer permits and testing requirements to ensure proper project setup.
Prepare quotations, bids, and service proposals.
Communicate out-of-specification or permit-exceedance results to clients as appropriate.
Address customer questions, concerns, and complaints in a professional manner.
Coordinate sampling events and project logistics with clients and field personnel.
Assist with maintaining strong customer relationships and business development efforts.
Maintain working knowledge of EPA, ADEM, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Assist with regulatory inspections, assessments, and accreditation audits.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety policies and OSHA requirements.
Support investigations and corrective actions related to quality or safety incidents.
Perform other duties as assigned by laboratory management.
Participate in special projects focused on laboratory growth, efficiency, and quality improvement.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 quality requirements.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and laboratory information systems.
Strong customer service and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to effectively supervise, coach, and develop employees.
Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting requirements preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific field preferred. Equivalent laboratory experience and demonstrated leadership ability may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS - EXPERIENCE
Minimum 3–5 years of environmental laboratory experience. Previous supervisory, lead analyst, or project management experience preferred. Experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory strongly preferred. Experience with environmental testing methods, LIMS software, and laboratory reporting systems preferred.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports To: Laboratory Manager Direct Reports: Laboratory Analysts, Technicians, and Support Personnel as Assigned
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Combination of office and laboratory environments. Frequent interaction with laboratory personnel, customers, regulatory agencies, and vendors. Regular use of computers, laboratory information systems, and laboratory equipment. Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. Occasional extended hours during audits, major projects, or operational demands.
SUCCESS METRICS
Timely and accurate issuance of analytical reports. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality requirements. Successful completion of internal and external audits. Employee training and competency completion rates. Inventory accuracy and supply availability. Customer satisfaction and response times. Turnaround time performance. Effective budget and expense management. Reduction of quality incidents and nonconformances.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
