Laboratory Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Consolidated Engineering Laboratories (CEL) is a leader in providing quality materials testing and construction inspection services. CEL is a union firm with its corporate headquarters located in San Ramon, CA and has full-service facilities in Northern California, Hawaii, and Utah.

The Construction Materials Laboratory Manager is responsible for the overall management, technical performance, quality, and day-to-day operations of a construction materials testing laboratory. This position oversees laboratory personnel, testing activities, equipment, quality-control programs, client deliverables, and compliance with applicable industry standards.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of construction materials with proven leadership, organizational, and client-service skills. The Laboratory Manager will ensure testing is performed accurately, safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and other project or regulatory requirements.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage daily laboratory operations, staffing, workload, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory technicians and other technical personnel.
• Oversee testing of construction materials including concrete, soils, aggregates, asphalt, masonry, and other materials as applicable.
• Ensure laboratory testing is performed in accordance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and project-specific requirements.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions, and quality-control processes.
• Review test data, calculations, laboratory reports, and technical documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain laboratory accreditation and compliance requirements, including preparation for internal and external audits.
• Coordinate calibration, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Monitor laboratory quality metrics, nonconformances, corrective actions, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Maintain appropriate records for testing, equipment calibration, personnel qualifications, and quality assurance.
• Coordinate with project managers, field technicians, engineers, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with project planning, proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and laboratory testing schedules.
• Monitor laboratory utilization, productivity, turnaround times, and operating costs.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Investigate testing discrepancies and implement corrective and preventive actions when necessary.
• Support business development and client relationships by providing technical expertise and responsive service.
• Stay current with changes to applicable testing standards, specifications, and industry practices.

Minimum requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in construction materials testing, laboratory operations, quality assurance, or a related field.
• 2+ years of supervisory or laboratory management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction materials testing procedures and applicable ASTM/AASHTO standards.
• Experience with laboratory quality systems, equipment calibration, and technical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory data/reporting systems.

Preferred requirements:

• Experience managing an AASHTO-accredited, CCRL, or similarly accredited laboratory.
• ACI certifications such as ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician or related credentials.
• NICET, WAQTC, or other relevant materials-testing certifications.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Knowledge of DOT, municipal, commercial, and/or heavy civil construction specifications.
• Experience with laboratory audits and accreditation processes.

Physical & Work Requirements:

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and occasionally visit active construction sites.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift materials or equipment as required.
• Ability to work around construction materials, laboratory equipment, dust, noise, and varying environmental conditions.
• Occasional travel and extended hours may be required based on project demands.

CEL EEOC Statement

CEL is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. CEL makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, read through our EEO Policy https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
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