Materials Lab Manager

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About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Materials Lab Manager to join our growing team in Calgary, AB. The successful candidate will lead our Materials Testing Team for both field and laboratory testing projects, working closely with our Geotechnical and Civil Engineering teams to deliver construction Quality Control and Quality Assurance services. This role is best suited for a self‑starter who is willing to work long hours during peak season to meet project deadlines.

McElhanney’s in‑house materials testing laboratories deliver prompt, locally focused materials testing services throughout BC. Complementing our local laboratories, our fleet of mobile laboratories enables our qualified technicians to provide responsive on‑site services, even in remote areas. We offer our services for construction aggregate testing, soil and concrete testing, and asphalt testing.

What You’ll Do

• Work with a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, surveyors and drafters to provide excellent client service.
• Conduct laboratory soil and aggregate testing including Sieve Analysis, Standard and Modified Proctor, Specific Gravity, Unit Weight, Soil Salinity, Sand Equivalent, Hydrometers, Atterberg Limits and more.
• Conduct laboratory Hot Mix Asphalt testing including Marshall and Superpave.
• Conduct laboratory concrete testing including compressive strength of concrete cylinders and cubes.
• Conduct concrete field sampling and testing (air, slump, temperature, plastic density).
• Conduct field compaction testing using a nuclear densometer for soil, aggregate and asphalt.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff on materials testing projects in the field and in the laboratory; train new employees.
• Prepare proposals, support business development, and assist the Division Manager with planning and marketing initiatives.
• Manage quality of the materials testing laboratory, including preparing for audits and certifications, routine calibrations and equipment maintenance.
• Act as a Radiation Safety Officer and manage CCIL certifications procedures.
• Daily preparation of test reports.

What You’ll Bring

• A diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and at least 5 years of progressive experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A C.Tech or A.SCT designation, or eligibility to acquire one, would be considered an asset.
• CCIL Certification for Type B, Type C, and concrete will be an asset.
• Previous related experience providing materials testing and geotechnical investigations/field reviews, as well as Quality Control and Quality Assurance in the field and in a lab environment.
• Physically fit, able to lift heavy equipment, willing to work in various environmental conditions with varied terrain, and willing to work in wildlife‑populated areas and remote areas when needed.
• Ability to work long hours during peak season to fulfil project requirements.
• Good attitude and willingness to work cooperatively as a team player.
• Prior supervisory and/or leadership experience is an asset.
• Strong communication skills and leadership capabilities.

What Can We Offer You

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $95,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work‑Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top‑up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, Aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and exploring the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

To learn more about our recognition as Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2025), visit Top Employer: McElhanney Ltd. (canadastop100.com). Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more, visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning. The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third party service providers may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.

Application

Apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.