Laboratory Supervisor I

Job Description

Job Description

Raba Kistner, Inc. is a premier Engineering Consulting and Program Management firm. Our purpose is to build a better and more sustainable world for our employees, their families, our clients, and the communities we serve. Our Core Values are:

• Community “We care for our communities”
• Integrity “We act with integrity”
• Passion “We infuse passion into everything we do”
• Quality “We believe quality comes from a culture of innovation and continuous improvement”
• Growth “We dedicate ourselves to personal and business growth”

Raba Kistner is seeking a detailed-oriented, dependable Laboratory Supervisor I  to join our Infrastructure team in Chandler , AZ . Under general supervision, the Laboratory Supervisor’s primary responsibility will be to supervise, coordinate, and train laboratory and field construction materials testing technician staff.  Responsible for directing crews in the field and provide accurate logging of samples and tests, and documentation of other pertinent data.  Additionally, responsibilities will include assisting with site coordination of testing services on the construction site. Other responsibilities include: 

• Conduct and supervise plant inspections and laboratory testing, as required.  Following testing operations: Display samples for viewing, organize samples, check and verify all calculations, evaluate test data, perform statistical analysis on data sets and prepare run charts, report data under the Direct Report’s supervision in accordance with established procedures. 
• Coordinate individual assignments for laboratory and field technicians.
• May serve as dispatcher in making daily individual assignments for laboratory and field technicians.
• Assist with preparation and processing of reports as well as other administrative duties. 
• Perform Operational Walk Through and Competency Testing.
• Check time records of technicians daily for accuracy and approve.  
• Perform or oversee routine maintenance of laboratory inspection equipment as well as the calibration and proper documentation of all applicable equipment.  
• Recommend equipment for procurement.
• Conduct performance reviews of assigned technicians.
• Provide training and instructional guidance to field and laboratory technicians.
• Review project plans and specifications to prepare testing scope.
• As requested, support management to settle disputes or defend against litigation.
• Safe utilization, storage and maintenance of all documents and tools.
• Safe usage and maintenance of company vehicle and laboratory/testing equipment including use within company policy.
• Carry out assigned duties in accordance with established procedures meeting directed priorities and deadlines.
• Monitor professional practice updates, including Quality Standards and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) protocols.
• Knowing and tracking project budgets for assigned area.
• Recording number of billable tests, preparation of Alpha Sheets, where required, and tracking of direct expenses.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or High School Equivalency certificate required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ or related experience with designated area of laboratory testing.
• Minimum of 7-11 months' of related management experience. 
• Completion of Troxler Manufacturing or equal radiation safety course to utilize nuclear gauges, ACI Field Testing Technician Grade 1, and ACI Concrete Strength Testing, and ACI Aggregate Testing are all preferred.
• Possess a valid driver’s license within the applicable jurisdiction and meet company’s auto insurability requirements. 

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals; Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Otherwise, successful applicants without these certifications/trainings may be required to attain them after employment. Related experience may be substituted with approval from the client. Good oral and written communications skills, ability to read and understand procedures, specifications, instruction, labels, reports, etc.is key. This position requires considerable knowledge of techniques used to lead others, and also techniques to analyze test results. Must have some knowledge of basic math and science to analyze lab results.

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, stop, and talk. Frequently required to lift up to 70 pounds to include, but not limited to, sample containers and equipment. Daily required to use hands and reach. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, focus vision and depth vision.

The work environment for this position includes potential exposure to movement of heavy equipment on construction or roadway sites; potential exposure to hazardous dangerous chemicals and solvents, noise, dust, fumes, grease and oils, radiant and electrical energy, and vibration; all of which would require employee to implement and follow proper safety procedures and utilize appropriate protective equipment. Regular use of non-complex machines, tools, and equipment; must also possess the dexterity to utilize delicate and small laboratory equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

This position may require protracted or irregular hours. Flexibility to work irregular hours is necessary due to client needs. Work may require out-of-town/overnight travel to Raba Kistner offices, client offices, and project locations.