Petrography Lab Manager - American Engineering Testing Inc

Job Summary

The Petrography Lab Manager leads the daily operations of AET’s state-of-the-art laboratory specializing in petrographic analysis.

The role drives the commitment to focus on high standards of accuracy and precision in data analysis which involves direct oversight of laboratory personnel, ensuring that all staff are properly trained, supported, and equipped to perform their tasks efficiently. Managing and maintaining laboratory equipment, developing and improving standard operating procedures, and ensuring the lab complies with all health, safety, and environmental regulations are critical aspects of the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Oversee all daily operations of the petrography laboratory, ensuring that all analyses are performed efficiently and meet established timelines.
• Develop and implement protocols to continuously improve operational performance, while maintaining a strong focus on quality and safety.
• Supervise and perform advanced petrographic examinations of geological samples, using techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive C-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Ensure precise identification and characterization of minerals, textures, microstructures, and other key geological features.
• Manage, train, and support laboratory technicians and analysts, ensuring high levels of performance and professional growth.
• Ensure that lab equipment is properly maintained and that all necessary supplies are available.
• Maintain high standards of data accuracy, ensuring consistency and reliability in all analyses and reports.
• Implement and uphold all health and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for all team members.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, providing detailed reports and recommendations based on petrographic analyses.
• Oversee the laboratory budget, manage expenses, and identify opportunities for cost-saving improvements.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline with specialization in petrography or mineralogy, or 5 or more years in a petrography or geological laboratory, with at least 2 years in supervisory or managerial role.
• Proficient in petrographic techniques including polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and other advanced methods used to analyze geological samples and experience with digital analysis tools.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster a positive working environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations related to laboratory operations.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with advanced petrographic software or AI-based analysis tools.
• Previous experience in a lab setting related to oil and gas, mining, construction, or environmental science.
• Certification in lab safety or other relevant professional certifications.

Work Environment

This job primarily operates in a professional office environment and uses specialized equipment specific to this job. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit for extended period so time; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of AET to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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