Lab Associate Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Eastern Sierra Engineering, a Civil Solutions Company, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Supervisor to support our construction materials testing laboratory. This position serves as a direct extension of the Laboratory Manager and Director of Construction Materials Testing Services and plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, accuracy, efficiency, and technical excellence of laboratory operations.

The Laboratory Supervisor will perform advanced laboratory testing, support asphalt and concrete mix design development, maintain laboratory accreditation requirements, and provide technical guidance to laboratory and field personnel. This position carries a high level of responsibility and ownership, requiring an individual who can effectively manage priorities, support laboratory workflow, and consistently produce accurate and defensible work products with minimal oversight.

At Eastern Sierra Engineering, we are dedicated to "Engineering the Earth" by delivering innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for the communities we serve. As a leading firm in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction management, and mix design development, specializing in airports, roadways, and public works projects, we are committed to excellence, safety, and superior client service.

WHY WORK WITH US?

• Competitive compensation with advancement and professional growth opportunities
• Company paid health insurance for employees
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Employee ownership opportunities through our employee owned company structure
• Supportive, team environment, focused on technical excellence and development
• Opportunities to work on diverse airport, roadway, and public works projects
• Support for professional certifications, technical training, and continuing education

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Construction Materials Testing

• Perform advanced laboratory testing on asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and soil materials in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, Caltrans, FAA, and project-specific requirements.
• Prepare, test, analyze, and document samples while maintaining established testing procedures and laboratory standards.
• Support asphalt mix design development, concrete trial batching, laboratory production activities, and construction materials evaluations.
• Review laboratory data, calculations, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with applicable specifications.
• Identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential errors before reports and deliverables are issued.
• Support laboratory accreditation programs, quality management systems, and auditing requirements.
• Assist in evaluating laboratory equipment needs, calibration requirements, maintenance schedules, and operational improvements.
• Troubleshoot testing procedures, equipment performance issues, and non-conforming results while developing practical solutions.

Laboratory Operations & Workflow Management

• Support daily laboratory workflow and production schedules to meet project deadlines and client expectations.
• Coordinate sample management, testing priorities, laboratory workloads, equipment utilization, calibration activities, and inventory control.
• Perform data entry, maintain testing records, and assist with preparation of laboratory reports and supporting project documentation.
• Assist laboratory leadership in maintaining efficient laboratory production, timely deliverables, and consistent quality standards.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with company procedures, accreditation requirements, safety standards, and applicable testing specifications.
• Support implementation of process improvements that enhance productivity, consistency, quality, and overall laboratory performance.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a technical resource for laboratory and field personnel by providing guidance on testing procedures, equipment operation, specifications, and applicable standards.
• Assist with training laboratory personnel on testing methods, documentation practices, and laboratory best practices.
• Lead by example while promoting a culture of accountability, professionalism, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Support professional development efforts and certification advancement within the team.
• Collaborate with laboratory and field management staff to address technical challenges and support operational objectives.

• Experience: Proven experience as a field technician in construction materials testing and inspection, with a strong focus on QC/QA for roadway and airport construction. Five (5) or more years of construction materials laboratory testing experience preferred, including demonstrated experience performing asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and soil testing in a production laboratory environment. Experience with asphalt mix design development, concrete trial batching, and construction materials evaluation is strongly preferred.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in engineering technology, construction management, materials science, or a related field is a plus.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications in construction materials testing and inspection. Required certifications include: ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I, and NAQTC Sampling & Density, Asphalt Extended, and Aggregate Modules. Additional credentials such as Caltrans, ACI, ICC, NICET, WAQTC, or other certifications applicable to laboratory and field operations are highly desirable. Candidates must be willing to obtain additional certifications as needed.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of construction processes, materials, testing methods, laboratory accreditation requirements, and quality management/calibration documentation. Ability to interpret ASTM, AASHTO, Caltrans, FAA, and project-specific testing standards and specifications. Proficiency in using field/laboratory testing equipment, data management systems, and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Key Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify errors or inconsistencies before deliverables are issued. Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Self-motivated, with sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to safety, quality, and producing accurate, defensible work products.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status, an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other protected category. We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background verification checks.