Laboratory Group Manager - Heritage Environmental Services

Primary Purpose

The Laboratory Manager oversees the operation of the plant's laboratory, ensuring the accurate and timely testing of materials, waste streams, and emissions for compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards. The role is critical to maintaining the integrity of the incineration process and ensuring the plant adheres to strict regulatory guidelines. This individual will manage a team of laboratory technicians and work closely with operations, engineering, and environmental compliance teams to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Supervise daily laboratory activities, including sample collection, testing, and analysis of waste streams, by products, and emissions.
• Ensure that all laboratory equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, and in good working condition.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory testing in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Ensure timely reporting of test results to relevant stakeholders, including operations, environmental compliance, and management teams.
• Ensure that all laboratory activities are conducted in strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular audits of laboratory practices to ensure compliance with hazardous materials handling protocols.
• Collaborate with the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) team to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., EPA, OSHA) related to high-hazard waste processing.
• Manage chemical inventory and ensure safe storage and disposal of hazardous materials in the laboratory.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive quality assurance program to monitor the incineration process.
• Analyze test results to detect deviations or anomalies that could affect plant safety or environmental compliance.
• Provide recommendations for process improvements or corrective actions based on laboratory data.
• Assist in the investigation and resolution of non-conformance issues related to waste input, emissions, or by-products.
• Lead, train, and manage a team of laboratory technicians and analysts.
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide mentorship to team members.
• Foster a culture of safety, accuracy, and accountability within the lab.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all laboratory analyses and test results.
• Prepare regular reports on waste characterization, emissions, and compliance for management and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure that all laboratory data is readily available for internal and external audits.
• Stay updated on changes to environmental and safety regulations, ensuring the laboratory's practices remain compliant.
• Lead projects aimed at optimizing waste analysis methods, enhancing data management systems, or upgrading laboratory equipment.
• Collaborate with other departments to support process optimization initiatives for the incineration unit.

Heritage believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the company to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Education/Experience: Required: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a laboratory management role, preferably in a high-hazard or chemical processing environment. Strong understanding of hazardous materials, waste testing, and emissions analysis. Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards, including EPA, OSHA, and other relevant authorities. Experience in quality control, data analysis, and process improvement. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Strong proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data reporting software. Preferred: Certification in hazardous materials handling or safety management. Experience with high-hazard waste incineration or chemical processing. Knowledge of advanced analytical techniques (e.g., gas chromatography, mass spectrometry) for emissions testing.

Knowledge and Abilities: Ability to work in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials. Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Ability to stand for extended periods and handle laboratory equipment safely.

A post offer drug screen will be required.

EEO including disability/veteran