University of Massachusetts Lowell Hiring for Senior Lab Manager – Civil & Environmental Engineering at UMass Lowell Full Time

Job no: 519258
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Civil & Environmental Eng
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and grade/range
Applications Open: Jun 07 2023
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) has several laboratories including Environmental, Structural and Engineering Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Geotechnical, and Surveying labs. The Senior Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing daily activities of these CEE laboratories including acquisition, installation, repair and maintenance, operations, budgeting, and supervising laboratory personnel. These activities require a high degree of technical and/or engineering competence. The individual serves as a liaison with UMass Lowell’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regarding safety compliance for CEE instructional laboratories and research facilities and including inspections, hazards, incidents, orderliness, and cleanliness. The individual will be working directly with a diverse community of CEE faculty, staff, students, and scholars supporting teaching, research, and other academic activities.

1. Laboratory Maintenance and Support:

• Manage CEE labs and facilities such as testing, training, programming, and troubleshooting of lab equipment and testing machines used for teaching, research, and other academic activities. Maintain equipment in working condition and repair as needed.
• Evaluate, install, maintain, and operate engineering lab equipment and systems (such as Instron, hydraulic machines, pumps) and specialized lab equipment as needed (for materials lab, environmental lab, geotechnical lab, fluids lab, and surveying lab).
• Support instructional activities and CEE research functions in design, construction, deployment, monitoring, quality control, and data acquisition; analyze data, monitor, and oversee experimental processes, lab systems, and specialized equipment.
• Set-up and test equipment prior to each semester or summer session. Develop a preventative maintenance schedule. Repair defective equipment or send it for repair. Test and evaluate new equipment and make recommendations for purchase when necessary.
• Maintain and update inventory as needed in each lab.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment in accordance with university procedures and policies; Serve as a point of contact for lab safety issues and lab emergencies. Collectively work with the CEE department to develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards for safe lab operations according to federal, state, and university policies.
• Work with faculty, staff, students, and scholars to fulfill the teaching, research, and other academic activities of the department.

2. Instructional Support:

• Stock and maintain laboratory supplies to successfully deliver lab courses.
• Help conduct tests, run equipment, and demonstrate experiments when needed.
• Work with faculty and students to set up the labs for each session as required.
• Oversee staff as well as students hired to help operation or deliver course content.
• Provide instructions and/or training to students as needed.
• May assume full responsibility for instruction, supervision, and performance of students in laboratory sections of courses in the department. This responsibility may involve working closely with faculty, teaching assistants and/or grading assistants assigned to the course.

3. Budgeting, Purchasing, and Acquisition:

Keep equipment inventory; manage laboratory hardware and software.

The individual is responsible for purchases/procurement (placing purchase orders, invoicing, and payment processing). Contact vendors and suppliers to place orders and/or follow up with procurement on equipment, materials, and supplies.

Work with faculty and staff to submit and approve university credit card applications and expense approvals and other related activities.

4. Support Student Clubs and Competitions:

• Assist student body with regional and national competitions (Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge, etc.). Ensure students, instructors, and other personnel have completed all required EHS training needed for the lab or research activity being conducted.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.
2. Comply with all safety standards appropriate to this position.

Working Conditions:

• The individual may be exposed to commercial machinery oil and dust from soil, wood, or concrete during work. The employee is highly recommended to follow EHS and OSHA guidelines and use protective equipment as needed (such as protective eyewear, appropriate gloves, hearing protection, respiratory mask, hard hat, safety vest, etc.).
• Flexible hours including occasional weekend days depending on the semester class size to accommodate course lab requirements. Also, some university-related events like open house, recruiting events, and student competitions require flexible scheduling.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Master’s degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering or a related field, with 7+ years of relevant experience; will consider candidates with a Ph.D. in a related field and 5+ years of relevant experience
• Comfortable taking initiative, reliable, motivated in one’s work, with a demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Understanding of engineering processes related to lab equipment set up, maintenance, and repair
• Well-developed conceptual, analytical and communications skills
• Ability to create, read, and interpret engineering schematics
• The ability to work effectively with diverse populations including students, staff, and faculty
• A vehicle and a valid Driver’s License are required to conduct field work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous laboratory experience at the university level is preferred

Additional Qualifications:

• May require rigging and maneuvering heavy machinery/equipment when needed

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P19.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.