Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead - Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT)

Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead

ICF is seeking a Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead to support an EPA contract, Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, location is a federal government lab.

The team performs soil, water, air, waste, and biota sampling and analysis for chemical contaminants primarily supporting Superfund site assessment, remediation, and emergency response but also for compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Additional support provided by the team includes field sampling and analysis, biological support, risk assessment, sample receipt and tracking, maintenance and monitoring of laboratory support equipment, chemical and supply inventory, environmental compliance activities, warehouse support, and analytical subcontracting.

Job Description

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Lead will be responsible for overseeing the comprehensive quality management system to ensure all data generated is scientifically valid and meets regulatory standards (TNI and/or ISO).

This leadership role involves developing policies, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Provide technical oversight and supervision of staff; Plan and oversee work in response to customer requests; status reporting, and client interface.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management Plan (QMP) Oversight: Facilitate the development, maintenance, and implementation of the organization's Quality Management Plan, ensuring all quality assurance policies and procedures are current and adhered to by all laboratory staff.
• Audits and Compliance: Manage internal and external audit processes, including those by accrediting bodies and regulatory agencies. This includes preparing for inspections, responding to audit findings, and ensuring all corrective actions are implemented.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop, review, and update laboratory SOPs, the quality assurance manual, and related documentation to ensure compliance with standards like the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and EPA requirements.
• Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Monitor QA/QC data, perform routine statistical reviews to ensure data validity, and initiate corrective actions when deviations occur. Ensure that data quality objectives are established prior to data collection and analysis.
• Training and Mentorship: Develop and implement a quality assurance training program, ensuring all laboratory personnel are trained in critical quality control requirements and safety standards.
• Technical Support and Liaison: Provide expert technical assistance to project managers and staff on QA/QC issues. Serve as the primary liaison with accrediting and regulatory bodies regarding inspection activities and reporting requirements.
• Safety Compliance: Oversee compliance with laboratory safety and security standards, including chemical hygiene and biosafety plans.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze data to identify trends, monitor prevention, and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience as an analytical chemist, environmental analytical laboratory manager, or section supervisor.
• OR Associate's degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the same capacity
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of an environmental analytical laboratory, quality management systems and standards (TNI and/or ISO), analytical and data review procedures, and direct experience managing and supervising projects of a similar nature.
• Technical knowledge, skills, and abilities for supervising Quality Assurance staff
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication (written and oral) skills are necessary. Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and quality/safety management systems is often needed.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
• Experience with accreditation standards for programs such as EPA, ISO/IEC 17025, and relevant state certification programs is preferred.
• S citizenship is required per federal contract requirements.
• Must be able to pass an EPA background check to obtain access to US federal property

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Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$107,469.00 - $182,697.00

Massachusetts Client Office (MA88)