Materials Lab Manager

Posted Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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.

We are seeking an experienced Materials Lab Manager to join our growing team in Calgary, AB. The successful candidate will lead our team of Materials Testing Team for both field and laboratory testing projects. You will have the opportunity to work closely with our Geotechnical and Civil Engineering teams to deliver construction Quality Control and Quality Assurance services. This role is best suited for an individual who is a self‑starter and a go‑getter, with the ability 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 the following project needs: construction aggregate testing, soil and concrete testing, and asphalt testing.

• Working with a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, surveyors and drafters to provide excellent client service.
• Conducting 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.
• Conducting 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).
• Conducting Field Compaction testing using a nuclear densometer for soil, aggregate and asphalt.
• Supervising and mentoring junior staff on materials testing projects in the field and in the laboratory. Train new employees.
• Proposal preparation, business development, and assisting the Division Manager as needed for planning and marketing initiatives.
• Quality Management of materials testing laboratory, including preparation for audits and certifications, routine calibrations and equipment maintenance.
• Must have the ability to act as a Radiation Safety Officer and manage CCIL Certifications procedures.
• Daily preparation of test reports.

• A diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and at least 5 years’ 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, able to work in wildlife populated areas and willing to work in 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.

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…