ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Administer and coordinate the technical activities and infrastructure related to the operation of the laboratory.
- Develop and implement laboratory and radiation detection policies and procedures. Manage and coordinate operational policies and procedures; coordinate with staff on issues which impact laboratory services.
- Function as the single point of contact with the customer and with the ARS Project Manager who is not located at the site.
- Maintain liaison with staff to solve specific operating problems and improve technical activities. Advise on technical procedures, techniques and equipment, and maintain conformance with specific operational standards.
- Maintain quality checks on safety of laboratory.
- Assist in formulating and implementing short and long-range goals for the operation of the laboratory; set priorities, assign responsibilities, and establish timetables. Project future needs and formulate strategies consistent with projections.
- Plan and schedule work for the group to ensure proper distribution of assignments as well as adequate manning, space, and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
- Oversee installation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Prepare technical reports reflecting volume of work, procedures utilized and test results; coordinate the preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
- Ensure staff are properly trained in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and equipment-specific requirements.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with lab quality assurance programs relating to calibration and maintenance of equipment. Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate systems for current and projected laboratory services and productivity of the laboratory.
- Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein
MENTAL & COGNITIVE DEMANDS:
- Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret data; provide response in a timely and professional manner; able to communicate clearly and succinctly on a basic and technical level.
- Must be able to document issues and resulting resolutions.
- Must be able to solve problems.
- Must possess computer skills, basic maintenance and repair aptitude.
- Ability to solve practical problems; ability to interpret and understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Work produced is subject to precise measures of quantity and quality.
- Work environment may include areas of unpleasant extremes of cold or heat.
- Conditions such as the risk of radiation exposure, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals may be present in this work environment which mandate attention to safety considerations.
- Near vision to see objects clearly within 20 inches.
- Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.
- Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands, but without finger dexterity.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Occasionally pushing/pulling objects weighing 30 lbs. or less.
- Must be able to work in a respirator, if required, for long durations.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (INCLUDE):
- Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of site staff; develop work performance standards; schedule and assign work and develop priorities; provide technical expertise as needed or requested.
- Work cooperatively with clients and maintain confidentiality of information as appropriate.
- Prepare and maintain required documentation of test results; record and analyze data using computer hardware and software.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
JOB DIMENSIONS:
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
- Carry-out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision from VP – Lab Services. Make decisions and establish work priorities on essential procedure-oriented operations.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
- Provide day-to-day supervision of site and laboratory staff.
INTERFACE REQUIRED:
- Interface with all project staff members, corporate administrative support staff, and customers.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to normal office conditions and sometimes site conditions related to site remediation work when not in the lab. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While working in the lab, the employee is exposed to normal laboratory conditions including humidity, cool and/or warm temperatures. The employee may be exposed to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee may be exposed to environmental hazards including hazardous and radioactive material and waste.
Required Skills
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- Knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and practices in the fields of, chemistry, physical science or health physics.
- Experience using HpGe gamma spectrometer.
- Knowledge of Quality Assurance procedures applicable to an environmental laboratory.
- Knowledge of laboratory scientific resource material,laboratory equipment and its care.
- Experience supervising, training and conducting performance evaluations of laboratory personnel.
- Demonstrated experience with computer operations, software and peripherals.
- Knowledge of general rules for safe exposure and handling of chemical and biological hazards.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and supervise.
- Ability to calibrate, operate, and understand gamma spectra.
- Ability to perform laboratory sample preparation.
- Ability to provide technical guidance to staff.
- Ability to keep accurate and legible records and make reports.
- Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
- Skilled in use of proper safety precautions and following/implementing procedures.
- Ability to prepare and approve budgets.
Required Experience
EDUCATION/TRAINING:
BS degree in Chemistry. MS degree is a plus. Minimum of four years combined professional experience at the level of a commercial environmental analytical laboratory or working as part of a contractor project management team of which a minimum of one to two (1 to 2) years must be directly related to environmental investigations and/or remedial actions as a part of a contractor management team (i.e. not primarily employed at a laboratory.) Must have experience with beryllium. Must have previous supervisory experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check verification, Department of Motor Vehicles record search, criminal record search, and verification of education, certifications, and licenses as applicable to the position.
- Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screens.
- Must be able to travel as required.
CERTIFICATIONS:
None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in Chemistry. Experience with global positioning equipment is highly desired.