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Geotechnical Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, professional, and capable of managing their workload and ... Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and ...

Field Scientist (CA WA only)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.30 - $42.30/hr

Report any safety issues or concerns to management. * Understand and practice quality acumen ... Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and ...

Field Scientist (CA WA only)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

... management, and site planning and permitting. Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned ... Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and ...

We don't just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn ... Perform geotechnical review and foundation design in coordination with soils engineers and site ...

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Showing results 41-51

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 Sep 5, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical lab manager?

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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Geotechnical Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Geotechnical Lab Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,186 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Regulatory Compliance Project Manager

TERRACON

Carson, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support all aspects of environmental regulatory compliance projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

  • Monitor project progress, troubleshoot operational problems, and recommend or resolve issues to minimize delays.

  • Coordinate with project team, external vendors, and the Approved Project Reviewer to communicate project status, set priorities, and meet project milestones.


Terracon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Ready to make an impact while navigating California's most complex regulatory landscape? We're seeking a Regulatory Compliance Project Manager to help lead and shape compliance strategy across Northern and Southern California. This role offers the flexibility to sit in either East Bay, Los Angeles, or our Sacramento office, while partnering with multidisciplinary teams to deliver highprofile projects throughout the state.
As the Regulatory Compliance Project Manage, you will support all aspects of an environmental regulatory compliance project to ensure that it is safely completed on time and within scope and budget. Responsible for completing the project as per its contracted scope; monitor progress and performance against the project plan. Troubleshoot and recommend or resolve operational problems and minimize delays. May be responsible for resource management, project scheduling, budgets and forecasts, and working with external vendors, subcontractors or contractors. Conducts meetings and prepares reports to communicate the status of the project to project team and client. Set priorities, assign tasks, and coordinate project staff to meet project targets and milestones. May have responsibilities to communicate with the client and deliver work products to the satisfaction of the client. Coordinates effort with Approved Project Reviewer (APR) to make sure that APR has opportunity to engage throughout the project, particularly at critical junctures. Is involved with approving invoices, preparing change orders, and collections. This position can be based in our East Bay, South Bay, Lodi, or Sacramento office. 
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we're at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.

Required: 

  • Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practices by the Firm, including Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, or related field.
  • Minimum of 5 -7 years' related experience.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge:

  • Stormwater/NPDES/SWPPP (Industrial and Commercial)
  • RCRA/Hazardous waste
  • Compliance auditing
  • Oil Storage/SPCC plans
  • SARA Title III (Tier II/HMBP/TRI) reporting
  • Industrial wastewater
  • Air permitting (Title V and minor source)
  • Client communication and account development

Preferred Certification:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
  • Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG) or similar professional registration/certification relevant to the type of services and projects being managed
  •  
  • Manage all aspects of a small to medium-sized project.
  • Works with client or National Account Manager (NAM) to define project scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Design, communicate, and implement a project plan for completing the project.
  • Leads safety efforts, including preparation and compliance with the approved safety plan.
  • Take action to resolve operational problems and minimize delays.
  • Identify, develop, and gather the resources to complete the project. This may include preparing calculations, designs, reports and work specifications; developing project schedules, budgets and forecasts; and selecting materials, equipment, project staff, and external contractors.
  • Partner with other departments or offices to secure specialized resources for the project.
  • Conduct meetings and prepare reports to communicate the status of the project.
  • Set priorities, assign tasks, and coordinate project staff to meet project targets and milestones.
  • Coordinates with APR to ensure appropriate oversight is in place and sufficient time allowed for reviews of all critical junctures.
  • Coordinates with accounting for financial management of business intelligence, invoicing and collections
  • Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company. Be familiar with company risk policies.
  • Lead safety efforts for team and ensure team follows safety rules and guidelines. Responsible for creating and modeling a safe work environment; demonstrates safety practices. Promote pre-task planning for all projects.
  • Responsible for continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Monitor and promote quality standards and practices.
  • Responsible for providing consistent quality standards on project and proposal delivery. Engage APRs on projects at their onset.

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