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Geotechnical Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA

$20 - $25/hr

Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ... The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory ...

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA

$20 - $25/hr

Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ... The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory ...

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 ... The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory ...

Geosoils Inc

Be Seen First

Project Geologist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Prepare geotechnical and geologic reports under senior staff supervision * Review lab and field data and support engineering analyses * Coordinate with project managers, subcontractors, and field ...

Geosoils Inc

Be Seen First

Project Geologist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Prepare geotechnical and geologic reports under senior staff supervision * Review lab and field data and support engineering analyses * Coordinate with project managers, subcontractors, and field ...

Geosoils Inc

Be Seen First

Project Geologist

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Prepare geotechnical and geologic reports under senior staff supervision * Review lab and field data and support engineering analyses * Coordinate with project managers, subcontractors, and field ...

Geosoils Inc

Be Seen First

Project Geologist

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Prepare geotechnical and geologic reports under senior staff supervision * Review lab and field data and support engineering analyses * Coordinate with project managers, subcontractors, and field ...

BlackBurn Consulting

Project Engineer II

Olivehurst, CA · On-site

$72K - $104K/yr

Blackburn Consulting provides geotechnical, geo-environmental, construction, forensics and lab ... Project Managers or Sr. Engineers • Historical and analytical project research • Engages in ...

BlackBurn Consulting

Sr. Project Manager - Civil

Auburn, CA · On-site

$124K - $187K/yr

We have an extensive geotechnical and materials testing lab in West Sacramento, CA. We focus mostly ... Manage and control project scope, budget, schedule, quality and risk * Coordinate resources and ...

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All JobsGeotechnical Lab JobsGeotechnical Lab Manager JobsGeotechnical Lab Manager Jobs in California

Geotechnical Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$34K

$106.2K

$169.7K

How much do geotechnical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical lab manager in California is $106,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $128,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Lab Manager vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical Lab ManagerGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in geotechnical engineering, geology, or related field; lab management experienceBachelor's or master's degree in geotechnical engineering or geology; engineering licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, overseeing testing procedures and lab staffField and office settings, designing projects and analyzing soil data
Industry UsageCommonly employed in geotechnical testing labs within construction, mining, or environmental firmsUsed across consulting firms, construction companies, and government agencies for project design

The main difference is that a Geotechnical Lab Manager oversees laboratory operations and staff, focusing on testing and quality control, while a Geotechnical Engineer designs projects and analyzes soil data. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by a Geotechnical Lab Manager, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge for Geotechnical Lab Managers is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results while managing a high volume of projects with tight deadlines. Maintaining rigorous quality control procedures and regularly calibrating equipment are essential to meet industry standards. Additionally, effective communication and coordination with field teams and project managers are crucial to clarify testing requirements and adapt to changing project scopes. Building a strong, well-trained laboratory team helps distribute workload efficiently and fosters a collaborative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geotechnical Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Lab Manager, you need a solid background in civil engineering or geology, with expertise in soil and material testing, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), geotechnical testing equipment, and certifications such as ASTM or AASHTO standards are typically required. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in managing teams and ensuring accurate results. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining laboratory quality, ensuring compliance, and delivering reliable data for engineering projects.

What does a Geotechnical Lab Manager do?

A Geotechnical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory specializing in soil, rock, and construction material testing. They coordinate testing procedures, ensure that equipment is properly maintained and calibrated, and supervise lab staff. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining quality control standards, interpreting test results, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Their work supports civil engineering projects by providing essential data for design and construction decisions.
What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in California? For Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Geotechnical Lab Manager job openings:
Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geotechnical Lab Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,186 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Geotechnical and Materials Laboratory Manager

Geotechnical and Materials Laboratory Manager

BlackBurn Consulting

Escondido, CA • On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

The Lab Manager will manage day-to-day operations of a new geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory in Escondido, California. This position will report to and be supervised by Blackburn’s Director of Geotechnical Services, and the Escondido Principal-in-Charge. This candidate shall have 3+ years of experience managing technicians, entering data, generating test result reports for soil, aggregates, concrete/hot mix asphalt, and running day-to-day operations of a materials testing lab and 5+ years of experience performing geotechnical laboratory tests in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO and Caltrans test methods. This candidate must have knowledge and understanding of material properties and specifications/tolerances. This position may require 25% travel to project sites or other testing laboratories.


Blackburn Company Overview:

Blackburn Consulting has an excellent reputation in Northern California and is excited to be expanding into Southern California. We are responsive to clients, but we take the time to get things right. We pride ourselves in our family-like work environment and culture. Employees strive for high quality and constant improvement. Most professional staff have been working at Blackburn for a long time. Everyone here has the opportunity to make a big impact!


Blackburn Consulting provides geotechnical, geo-environmental, construction, forensics and lab engineering services throughout California with offices in Auburn, Escondido, Sausalito, West Sacramento, and Fresno. We have an extensive geotechnical and materials testing lab in West Sacramento, CA. We focus mostly on public works, including flood control and transportation. Blackburn has been in business since 1998 and is employee-owned and operated.


Position Duties:


· Complete laboratory test schedules within deadlines and appropriate testing methods

· Work in coordination with the Construction Materials Testing Laboratory Manager and the Director of Geotechnical Services on overall laboratory management including maintenance, certification renewals, verifications/calibrations, space/sample management, and organization/cleaning

· Meet with other managers regularly to ensure effective resource management

· Communicate with Blackburn managers and field engineers/geologists to provide input on proper laboratory test selection, test interpretation, test results, and test schedules

· Supervise laboratory technicians

· Provide training to laboratory staff as needed

· Enter laboratory test data into the lab information management system, generate test reports, circulate test results for review and provide final copies to the manager in charge of the project

· Communicate and report failing test results to Project Managers immediately

· Maintain cleanliness in the laboratory.


Essential Abilities:

· Communication skills internally and externally

· Multi-task between projects

· Ability to deliver a high-quality deliverable in a timely manner

· People management skills

· Excellent organizational skills

· Flexible schedule


Technical Qualifications:

· At least five years of relevant experience

· Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle

· Experience with standard computer operations (Windows based systems)

· Certification by ACI, Caltrans, or NICET highly encouraged. ACI and Caltrans certifications are required within 6 months of hire date.


Physical Requirements:

· Read, write, and speak English

· Communicate clearly in person and over telephone

· Visual acuity to perform job duties

· Physical ability to bend, reach, stand, walk, sit, push and pull up to 75lbs of weight


Salary Range: $30-$45 per hour


Blackburn Consulting provides an Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and does not discriminate on any basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, gender, origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military status, or marital status.

Requirements: