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Laboratory Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical Laboratory Director

Atlanta, GA

$101K - $133K/yr

This Opportunity WSP has an exciting career opportunity for a Geotechnical/Construction Materials Laboratory Director to join our Atlanta (Buford Hwy) office . This individual will primarily work ...

This Opportunity WSP has an exciting career opportunity for a Geotechnical/Construction Materials Laboratory Director to join our Atlanta office . This individual will primarily work with the ...

This Opportunity WSP has an exciting career opportunity for a Geotechnical/Construction Materials Laboratory Director to join our Atlanta office . This individual will primarily work with the ...

IRL Lab Director

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$94K - $123K/yr

IRL Lab Director opening at a beautiful facility in the Douglasville, GA area - Must be SBB MANY different shift options available! Details: * full time, permanent position * extremely competitive ...

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Laboratory Director information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$43.9K

$123.1K

$181.6K

How much do laboratory director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory director in Decatur, GA is $123,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,500.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Laboratory Directors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Laboratory Directors often face challenges such as maintaining regulatory compliance, managing diverse teams, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of test results. Balancing administrative responsibilities with scientific oversight can be demanding, especially in high-volume or specialized labs. Effective management involves staying updated with changing regulations, fostering clear communication among staff, and implementing robust quality control processes. Building a culture of continuous improvement and professional development also helps address these challenges proactively.

What Does a Laboratory Director Do?

As a laboratory director, you oversee all operations within a medical lab. Your responsibilities include completing administrative duties, managing personnel, supervising procedures, checking supplies, maintaining the equipment, and setting up the lab. Depending on your qualifications and skills, you may also assist with planning experiments and interpreting test results. It is your responsibility to ensure all staff activities and tests meet safety standards and regulations and produce quality results. A laboratory director works closely with the laboratory manager and communicates with other departments, such as human resources and clinical staff, so you need strong communication skills.

What is a Laboratory Director?

A Laboratory Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the operations, quality control, and regulatory compliance of a laboratory. They ensure that all laboratory procedures adhere to industry standards and legal requirements, manage staff, and develop and implement policies for efficient workflow. Laboratory Directors often have advanced degrees in laboratory science or a related field and possess extensive experience in laboratory management. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and safety of laboratory results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laboratory Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Director, you need advanced knowledge in laboratory science, strong management abilities, and typically a relevant advanced degree with significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality control protocols, and certifications such as CLIA or CAP accreditation are often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for guiding teams and maintaining regulatory compliance. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable laboratory operations, staff performance, and adherence to industry standards.

What is the difference between Laboratory Director vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectLaboratory DirectorLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD) and certificationUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planningManages daily operations within a specific lab
ResponsibilitiesSets policies, ensures compliance, manages budgetsSupervises staff, ensures quality control, handles workflow

The Laboratory Director holds a higher-level, strategic role overseeing entire laboratories or networks, often requiring advanced credentials. The Laboratory Supervisor focuses on daily operational management within a specific lab. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Director jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Director jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Laboratory Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Laboratory Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Laboratory Director job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,102 per year, or $59.2 per hour.
Geotechnical Laboratory Director

Geotechnical Laboratory Director

WSP USA

Atlanta, GA

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP has an exciting career opportunity for a Geotechnical/Construction Materials Laboratory Director to join our Atlanta (Buford Hwy) office . This individual will primarily work with the Laboratory Management Team to ensure compliance with accreditation, delivery of geotechnical, Construction Materials, and specialty laboratory testing projects, manage personnel associated with the laboratory and identify key areas of growth. We offer excellent career growth, a friendly, flexible work environment, and a variety of challenging projects. We have a group of talented staff and work on some of the most exciting projects across the US. We offer the opportunity to mentor talented engineers and technicians in a supportive and flexible atmosphere where the focus is on teamwork, quality, and excellent client service. Our ideal candidate has strong technical capabilities, solid client relationship skills, a commitment to delivering a quality product within the WSP quality program and an interest in a leadership role.

Your Impact

  • Work with an established laboratory team to successfully complete projects associated with testing in both construction materials and geotechnical applications.

  • Will be responsible for laboratory accreditations (GDOT, USACE, AASHTO Re:Source/CCRL, NQA-1, etc.), preparing for internal and external lab audits, maintaining quality control, and supporting multiple audits per calendar year.

  • Will be responsible for maintaining laboratory quality requirements for records, personnel qualifications and client requirements.

  • Lead and support business development and strategic planning efforts to increase market share in priority markets.

  • Develop and enhance key client relationships and serve as a primary company contact on projects

  • Coordination with clients to define work programs and budgets, provided leadership and strategy including general oversight and planning, and project management

  • Manage and coordinate project teams, including ensuring the technical quality of deliverables.

  • Full managerial responsibility for all aspects of a project including safety, scope development, contract negotiations, cost control, staff management, quality control and cash management

  • Support staff development through mentoring

  • Must have ability to make quick decisions requiring sound judgment and experience and know when to consult with other team members.

  • Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.

  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct, Quality Program requirements, and related policies and procedures.

  • Collaboration with national laboratory and materials practitioners

  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

  • Position will require occasional travel within GA and possibly the Southeastern U.S.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering

  • 10+ years of related experience leading teams, managing projects and 5+ years of direct experience in laboratory testing (including concrete, soils aggregate and asphalt), field testing, special inspections, construction materials and geotechnical services

  • Licensed Georgia Professional engineer is required

  • Excellent organization skills and ability to multi-task

  • Positive experience dealing directly with client representatives

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships as well as experience in proposal preparation

  • Strong work ethic, and demonstrated ability to work on project teams

  • Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as ability to learn new software quickly and effectively.

  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.

  • Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.

  • Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC requirements.

  • Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.

  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

  • This role is subject to a client-mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of this policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.

  • Experience with advance laboratory testing such as consolidation, permeability, triaxial shear and direct shear is strongly preferred

  • Knowledge of AASHTO

  • Knowledge of GDOT Laboratory Accreditations and USACE Program

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

  • Successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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