Prep Department Group Leader - Laboratory

About the role

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact. "For Planet and Progress" is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive. When you join us, you're not just forging a career, you're joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact. Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way. A Day in the Life As a Prep Department Group Leader in our Wilmington, NC lab , PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation is a results-driven, technically grounded leadership role responsible for directing the daily operations of the sample preparation group in a high-throughput environmental laboratory. This position calls for an individual who combines strong analytical capability with an approachable leadership style, someone who sets clear expectations, coaches their team to meet them, and trusts people to deliver. The compensation range for this role is $65,000 to $85,000 , in addition to an annual bonus, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location. Schedule: Monday - Friday To thrive in this role, you'll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities: Leadership & Operations Lead the PFAS & Dioxin Sample Preparation group, setting clear performance standards and coaching the team to deliver consistent, high-quality output that meets client and regulatory requirements Direct day-to-day sample preparation operations by planning workflows, setting priorities, and making confident scheduling decisions while keeping the team informed and aligned Act as a working leader who performs sample preparation as needed, using those moments to model best practices and develop staff skills through real-time guidance Manage staffing responsibilities including hiring, training, and performance evaluation Build a culture of ownership where team members understand what's expected, have the support they need, and take responsibility for their results Invest in people's growth while holding them accountable to clearly defined expectations Follow through consistently on priorities and commitments, ensuring the team stays on track Sample Preparation & Technical Oversight Manage and execute PFAS and dioxin sample preparation processes in accordance with applicable EPA and regulatory methods Ensure proper preparation of air, water, soil, and other environmental matrices with consistent attention to protocol adherence Troubleshoot preparation issues, non-routine samples, and process deviations by applying deep technical expertise and coaching others through problem-solving when appropriate Prepare and review standards, reagents, and spiking solutions with careful attention to accuracy Maintain well-organized, accurate sample preparation records and documentation Quality Assurance & Compliance Uphold strict adherence to Onterris' Quality Assurance Program, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, treating compliance as a shared responsibility across the team Investigate and resolve non-conformance events and corrective actions thoroughly, identifying root causes and working with the team to prevent recurrence Author, review, and update sample preparation SOPs, ensuring documentation is precise, current, and practical for day-to-day use Lead audit preparation and participate directly in internal, client, and regulatory audits with a solid command of relevant data and processes Stay current on emerging regulatory requirements and methodologies through proactive monitoring of industry developments Planning, Communication & Continuous Improvement Coordinate project scheduling and communicate clearly with project management, QA, and analytical teams-providing straightforward, timely updates focused on deliverables Maintain open, responsive communication with internal and external clients, balancing directness with professionalism Monitor workload, staffing capacity, and efficiency metrics to proactively manage turnaround times and surface bottlenecks early Champion and drive process improvement projects that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and throughput-encouraging the team to contribute ideas and take calculated risks on better approaches Ensure uninterrupted availability of consumables, supplies, and critical sample preparation components through forward-looking planning Health & Safety Ensure staff comply with Onterris' Health and Safety Plan and all applicable safety procedures Promote safe laboratory practices and proper chemical handling, addressing concerns promptly and constructively Investigate safety incidents and drive corrective actions to resolution Perform

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