Geotechnical Materials Testing Lab Supervisor

NV5 is a leading provider of tech-enabled engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting solutions for the built environment. We specialize in engineering design, asset management, and geospatial data analytics to support infrastructure resilience and building systems performance throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

NV5 provides full-service geotechnical assistance throughout all phases of the development process, from feasibility and preliminary studies to geotechnical design, evaluations, and construction oversight.

Our team of qualified geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing (CMT), and contractor quality control (CQC) professionals assist owners and contractors in identifying geohazards and developing the safest, most cost-effective, and resilient earthwork and foundation solutions. We provide geotechnical reconnaissance, assessment, and investigations, as well as conventional and advanced laboratory testing, geotechnical engineering analysis and design, grading observations, soil testing, and forensic evaluations.

We specialize in soil compaction testing using drive ring, sand cone, and nuclear density gauge methods, as well as deep foundation assessments, including pile observations for timber, concrete, steel, and auger cast foundations. Our services also cover rammed aggregate and vibro-pier installation observations, shallow foundation subgrade evaluations via Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, and pavement testing to ensure long-term stability.

Geotechnical/Materials Laboratory Manager
📍 Nevada City, CA | 🏢 NV5, Inc.

Shape the Future. Deliver Solutions. Improve Lives.

NV5 has proudly served Nevada City and surrounding communities for over 30 years, providing expert Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing, and Environmental Services. As part of a nationwide team of engineers, architects, environmental professionals, and program managers, we’re united by a shared mission: Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

We’re looking for a Geotechnical/Materials Laboratory Manager who thrives in a hands-on, technical environment and is passionate about quality, leadership, and innovation.

🔍 What You’ll Do:

• Lead Lab Operations: Oversee all technical and operational aspects of our geotechnical/materials laboratory, ensuring compliance with industry standards (AMRL, CCRL, AASHTO, Caltrans).
• Ensure Excellence: Maintain high standards of testing accuracy and quality control, working closely with the Laboratory Engineer.
• Mentor & Manage: Supervise and support Lab Technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
• Drive Innovation: Champion continuous improvement in lab processes, safety, and efficiency.

🎯 What You Bring:

• Proven expertise in geotechnical and materials testing methods.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and lab accreditation processes.
• A passion for precision and a commitment to excellence.

🌟 Why NV5?

• A legacy of excellence and community impact.
• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.

Join a team where your work truly matters—where your leadership helps build safer, stronger communities.

• Manages lab technicians, coordinating staffing needs and daily work schedules.
• Performs technical review of all laboratory-generated data.
• Prepares or reviews final laboratory reports and furnishes them to the client upon approval by the project manager.
• Communicates with contractor, supervisor and/or project manager of problems and deviations from plans and specifications.
• Ensures complete and comprehensive communication with project manager and other staff to insure the effective management of the project.
• Maintains laboratory quality control to ensure the accuracy of test results.
• Oversees the acquisition of new field and laboratory equipment for the office location.
• Oversees and coordinates laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Maintains and updates laboratory accreditations and serves as the liaison with the accreditation agencies.
• Maintains and updates regulatory licenses for nuclear testing equipment,and serves as the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer for the office location.
• Manages facility maintenance for the laboratory location

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in construction testing and related laboratory testing.
• Must have experience with ASTM, AASHTO and Caltrans testing procedures for soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete and masonry, and rebar.  Current certifications or obtaining certifications will be required.
• Demonstrates ability to accurately perform testing according to recognized standards.
• Communicates and interfaces effectively with clients and co-workers.
• Possesses effective written, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work as part of a team involving staff, clients and outside agencies.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying data quality issues.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Ability to make good decisions using sound, professional judgment with minimal supervision.
• Physical ability to perform labor-intensive work including but not limited the safe handling and transport of concrete samples, soil samples, and other lab related materials.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Electronic report preparation (Microsoft Office) and technical writing.
• Must have valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to learn new electronic report documentation platforms.

Certifications/Licenses (Must possess one or more of the following):

• ACI Laboratory Testing certifications or equivalent
• Caltrans certifications or testing experience

Physical and Environmental Factors:

• Occasional ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull objects and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Able to perform general office administrative activities: copying, filing, and frequent use of
• telephone and keyboard to communicate.
• Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
• Intermittently walk, stand, kneel, bend, reach and stoop.
• May be required to work outside normal business hours.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Must adhere to NV5 safety practices and policies.

The pay range for this California position is $32.00- $40.00 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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