Environmental Project Manager - Laboratories

A Day in the Life

As a Project Manager in our Durham, NC lab, you’ll be responsible managing environmental laboratory projects from initiation through completion, ensuring client requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality expectations are met. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clients, overseeing sample workflow, technical coordination, scheduling, and reporting while maintaining strong communication across laboratory departments. The Project Manager drives project efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction while supporting business objectives.

Pay and benefits

The compensation range for this role is $52,000.00 to $67,500.00, 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:

Project Management & Coordination

• Manage assigned laboratory projects from sample receipt through final reporting
• Review project scope, schedules, and analytical requirements
• Coordinate workflow between sample receiving, laboratory sections, QA, and reporting teams
• Monitor project progress and turnaround times to ensure deadlines are met
• Identify and resolve project issues or delays proactively
• Maintain accurate project records and documentation in LIMS or related systems

Client Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for assigned clients
• Interpret client requirements and ensure accurate project setup
• Communicate project status, technical questions, and updates
• Address discrepancies, non-conformances, or scope changes
• Support development of strong client relationships and retention

Technical & Data Oversight

• Review chains of custody and sample documentation for accuracy
• Ensure proper analytical test selection and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Coordinate resolution of technical or documentation discrepancies
• Review reports and data packages for completeness prior to release
• Work with QA staff to ensure adherence to accreditation standards

Operational & Business Support

• Assist with quotations, project pricing, or scope clarification as needed
• Track project metrics including timelines and deliverables
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives
• Support training or mentoring of Project Manager Assistants or junior staff

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to laboratory QA/QC procedures and regulatory standards
• Participate in audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain awareness of industry standards and regulatory changes

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field preferred
• 3–5+ years of environmental laboratory or project coordination experience
• Demonstrated experience managing client projects or accounts preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Analytical problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and LIMS systems
• Understanding of environmental laboratory processes and regulatory frameworks

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Office and laboratory setting
• May involve interaction with environmental samples while following safety protocols
• Standard business hours with occasional schedule flexibility based on project demands

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a workstation or sample intake area
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry and documentation review
• Ability to lift, move, or carry sample coolers or materials up to 30 lbs
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, or twist when accessing files or storage areas
• Ability to visually review detailed data and documentation for extended periods
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment that may include exposure to odors, noise, or varying temperatures while using required PPE

Additional information

Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected.

Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress.