Project Manager Assistant - Laboratories

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.

When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life 

As a Project Manager Assistant in our Richmond, VA lab, you’ll support the coordination and administrative management of environmental laboratory projects by assisting with sample intake, documentation review, and communication with clients and internal teams. This role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timely processing of project information from sample receipt through reporting, contributing to efficient workflow and high-quality client service. The PMA will support the sample receiving department as needed based on the needs of the business.

The compensation range for this role is $20.00 to $26.00, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.   

Schedule: 10:30 AM to 7 PM M-F with occasional overtime

To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:  

Sample & Documentation Management

• Assist with login, tracking, storage, and verification of client samples
• Review and verify chains of custody (COCs) for completeness and accuracy
• Identify discrepancies or missing information and notify clients or internal staff
• Ensure proper documentation and recordkeeping in LIMS or related systems
• Maintain sample storage organization and chain-of-custody integrity

Project Coordination Support

• Provide administrative support to Project Managers on assigned projects
• Assist with scheduling, tracking deadlines, and monitoring project progress
• Compile project documentation and maintain project files
• Support preparation of reports, data packages, and client deliverables
• Coordinate communication between laboratory departments as needed

Client Communication

• Notify clients of sample discrepancies, clarifications, or required corrections
• Respond to routine client inquiries regarding sample status or documentation
• Escalate complex issues to Project Managers

Quality & Compliance

• Follow laboratory QA/QC procedures and regulatory requirements
• Ensure documentation aligns with accreditation and compliance standards
• Participate in internal audits or process improvement efforts

Your Expertise and Skills 

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.  

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field preferred
• Previous laboratory, sample receiving, or administrative coordination experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management systems (LIMS experience a plus)
• Understanding of environmental laboratory workflow is beneficial

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions. 

• Sitting, standing, and walking 
• Overhead lifting of over 10 pounds 
• Works in an office environment  
• May be exposed to hot and cold environments

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.  

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Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.