Prep Department Group Leader - Laboratory

Montrose Environmental Group•Wilmington, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific field
Minimum of 3–5 years of laboratory experience; graduate-level research experience considered
Minimum 2 years of prior supervisory experience in a production laboratory environment, with a demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams
Strong working knowledge of organic extractions; PFAS, D/F, PCB, and PAH sample prep experience is a plus
Solid understanding of the physical and chemical principles underlying published sample preparation methods
Demonstrated ability to organize workflows, manage competing priorities, and allocate personnel effectively
Experience handling non-routine samples and managing high-volume preparation schedules
Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Experience with Workday preferred
Experience in LIMS preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience working in ISO 17025 or NELAP-accredited laboratories
Familiarity with LIMS and electronic chain-of-custody workflows
Participation in method development, validation, or regulatory working groups
Demonstrated success in driving process improvement or lean laboratory initiatives

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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 other duties as assigned by the Technical or Laboratory Director