Ecological Taxonomy Lab Manager
Spheros Environmental · Denver, CO, USA
Ecological Taxonomy Lab Manager
Location: Moscow, ID (Onsite)
Compensation: $60,000 - $90,000 (negotiable based on experience)
Summary
Spheros Environmental is looking for a Ecological Taxonomy Lab Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our ecological taxonomy laboratory and support the continued growth and development of our Freshwater, Marine, and Algae service lines. This role will be responsible for coordinating people, projects, workload, and resources to ensure the lab is operating efficiently and meeting client and project needs.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized and people-focused leader who can balance competing priorities, understand team capacity, communicate effectively across departments, and keep projects moving forward. This position will work closely with Sales, Project Managers, laboratory staff, and clients to manage workload and ensure the lab is positioned to deliver quality work on schedule.
The Moscow Lab Manager will also oversee key operational processes, including project and invoice approvals, purchasing, client coordination, and continued implementation of ATLIS and other laboratory systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day operations for the Moscow laboratory across the Freshwater, Marine, and Algae service lines as well as the Sorting Lab.
- Monitor current and projected workload across all three service lines and proactively manage capacity to ensure the lab can meet project demands.
- Work closely with Sales and department leadership to evaluate capacity and help ensure new work can be appropriately scheduled without overloading the laboratory.
- Account for projects arriving ahead of or behind schedule and adjust staffing, priorities, and workflows as needed to maintain throughput.
- Provide leadership, direction, and support to laboratory staff while fostering a collaborative, organized, and people-focused work environment.
- Coordinate staffing and resources across service lines based on project priorities, deadlines, and available capacity.
- Review and approve projects within the PMO system and maintain appropriate signature authority for department activities.
- Review and approve department invoices and ensure billing and project information is accurate and timely.
- Serve as Project Manager of Record for Ecological Taxonomy projects or oversee appropriate assignment of project management responsibilities within the team, as needed.
- Continue to support the implementation and development of ATLIS, including ongoing integration of Freshwater, Marine, Zooplankton, Ichthyo, and Algae workflows.
- Serve as an escalation point of contact for key clients and external partners, ensuring high satisfaction and consistent communication to meet customer needs.
- Oversee purchasing activities for the laboratory, including recurring supplies, equipment, and other materials needed to support operations.
- Establish and maintain efficient purchasing processes and delegate routine purchasing responsibilities to appropriate team members.
- Partner with department and company leadership on staffing needs, resource planning, process improvements, and the continued growth of the Moscow laboratory.
- Identify operational challenges, coordinate with internal teams, and develop practical solutions to improve efficiency, communication, and project delivery.
Qualifications
- Experience with ecological taxonomy, freshwater, marine, or algae services is required.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, laboratory science, a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience working in an environmental laboratory, ecological services, or related scientific environment.
- Previous experience leading, supervising, or coordinating a team.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting workloads.
- Demonstrated ability to understand team capacity, anticipate resource needs, and adjust priorities accordingly.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with technical staff, project managers, sales teams, leadership, and clients.
- Comfortable making decisions, delegating responsibilities, and holding team members accountable to deadlines and expectations.
- Experience managing client relationships and serving as a point of contact for projects or programs.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage administrative responsibilities including project approvals, invoicing, purchasing, and documentation.
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), project management systems, or similar operational technology preferred.
- Ability to identify process improvements and help implement new systems and workflows.
Why Spheros Environmental?
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits – Comprehensive benefits, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and competitive compensation.
- Professional Growth – Opportunities to develop your leadership skills and grow with an expanding environmental consulting organization.
- Work-Life Balance – Flexible work arrangements and a culture that values sustainable workloads.
- Meaningful Work – Support environmental projects that contribute to healthier ecosystems and communities.
- Collaborative Culture – Work alongside technical experts and leaders across Spheros' environmental practice areas.
- Leadership Opportunity – Have a direct impact on the people, processes, and continued growth of the Moscow laboratory.
- Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities – Collaborate with teams across Freshwater, Marine, Algae, Ecology, Water, Air, Climate, and other Spheros practice areas.
Apply today! Spheros is an Equal Opportunity Employer.