LATA POSITION: Manager, WIPP Labs

Department: WIPP Labs (Carlsbad, NM)

LATA is currently searching for Lab Manager for the WIPP Labs department at the WIPP project in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This is a government contract to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supporting the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

The Lab Manager will lead the WIPP Laboratory to ensure compliance with the Department of Energy’s requirements and mission. The Lab Manager will report the LATA WIPP Program Manager.

• Develop, align and execute the WIPP Lab’s strategic plan
• Oversee the implementation of the Lab program, train, mentor and communicate with the staff.
• Work collaboratively with the M&O ES&H Management, Department of Energy (DOE) Carlsbad Field office (CBFO), and key stakeholders and organizations on the WIPP Lab mission and objectives. Serve as a primary liaison and spokesperson communicating priorities and positions for WIPP Labs.
• Facilitate identification and development of WIPP Lab staff through training and various career development programs. Serve as a role model for the WIPP Lab’s staff by exemplifying integrity and fairness, while adhering to LATA policies and procedures.
• Develop intellectual resources, add necessary equipment and revise procedures as necessary to execute the WIPP Lab agenda. Communicate the WIPP Lab plan and strategic objectives with the LATA Program Manager, WIPP Prime Contractor and DOE/CBFO.
• Attract, develop, motivate and retain talented and diverse staff members. Promote succession planning, leadership development, staff training, and career progression for WIPP Labs staff.
• Work daily with the WIPP Lab’s staff to ensure alignment of scientific goals and objectives with operational imperatives, such as health and safety, space management, financial management, procedure adherence and any communicate human resource issues as they arise to the LATA Program Manager.
• Ensure an open and supportive work environment in which WIPP Lab’s staff are comfortable reporting issues and concerns without fear of retribution
• Establish an integrated set of technical performance metrics to be reported quarterly
• Ensure WIPP Labs meets its contractual obligations to DOE/CBFO through the performance evaluation and measurement plan goals and objectives process
• Oversee and provide technical guidance for analytic studies and/or scientific studies in transuranic radiochemistry using best laboratory and NQA-1 quality assurance protocols
• Establish and lead a weekly plan of the week meetings with WIPP Labs staff

• MS in Radiochemistry and 7+ years of relevant work experience.
• Strong analytical, writing and speaking skills with the ability to organize, analyze and implement processes and procedures with attention to detail.
• Candidate must show a commitment to safety and integrity
• Knowledge and previous experience with Laboratory Information Management System processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and Word.
• Possess excellent writing, verbal communication, and team skills.