Sample Receiving Lab Supervisor

Job Title: Sample Receiving Lab Supervisor Job Description
The Sample Receiving Lab Supervisor leads a small, collaborative team responsible for sample receiving, inventory management, courier logistics, and laboratory support within an environmental testing laboratory. This role oversees day-to-day operations, ensures accurate and timely processing of samples into the laboratory information management system (LIMS), and serves as the central communication point between project managers, laboratory staff, sample receiving, and courier teams. The supervisor manages workflows, addresses operational challenges, and supports continuous improvement to maintain high-quality service and on-time turnaround for environmental testing projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of approximately five field couriers and two to three sample receiving personnel, providing daily direction, coaching, and workload management.
- Serve as the central point of communication between project managers, laboratory staff, sample receiving, and courier teams to ensure smooth and coordinated operations.
- Oversee the receipt, inspection, and processing of incoming samples, ensuring all documentation is complete and information is accurately entered into the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
- Evaluate sample submissions to confirm sufficient volume and proper labeling based on requested testing requirements, escalating discrepancies to internal stakeholders as needed.
- Maintain accountability for sample tracking and chain of custody throughout the laboratory process, ensuring all samples are properly documented and traceable.
- Ensure samples are accurately identified, organized, and distributed to the appropriate laboratory departments in a timely manner to meet turnaround expectations.
- Manage inventory levels for bottles, sampling containers, coolers, and other operational supplies to ensure materials are consistently available to support client requests.
- Partner closely with laboratory personnel and project management teams to communicate sample volumes, scheduling needs, and same-day service requests.
- Coordinate daily courier routes and schedules, aligning transportation resources with sample pickup and delivery requirements.
- Monitor courier route performance and adjust routes or assignments as needed to maintain efficiency and on-time delivery.
- Communicate delivery delays, route changes, or transportation issues with internal teams to support proactive planning and client communication.
- Track vehicle maintenance needs and assist in resolving driver-related issues to support safe and reliable operations.
- Manage daily transportation schedules and delivery workflows, adjusting priorities and resources to meet changing business needs.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges related to sample receiving, logistics, and inventory, and communicate updates and resolutions to internal stakeholders.
- Oversee fleet-related needs and coordinate with external vendors as applicable to support transportation operations.
- Maintain accurate records and operational documentation related to sample receipt, inventory, courier operations, and laboratory support activities.
- Ensure incoming materials, including samples and supplies, are properly inspected, documented, and processed according to established procedures.
- Verify supporting paperwork for samples and shipments and maintain accurate tracking records within internal systems.
- Enter and maintain information in internal database systems, including LIMS and other operational tools, to support traceability and reporting.
- Monitor turnaround requirements and ensure established procedures are followed to meet client expectations and internal performance standards.
- Coordinate inventory and supply management activities to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
- Arrange and coordinate external testing and third-party laboratory submissions when required, ensuring proper documentation and tracking.
- Prepare and maintain required documentation for sample handling, logistics, and laboratory support activities in compliance with internal processes.
- Partner with project teams and technical staff to ensure efficient workflow execution across sample receiving, laboratory testing, and reporting.
- Assist with process improvements and department organization, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
- Support a culture of safety, quality, and teamwork within the sample receiving and courier teams.
Essential Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
- 12 years of supervisory or people leadership experience, preferably in a laboratory, environmental, or related operational setting.
- Experience working in an environmental laboratory or closely related laboratory environment.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory operations, sample receiving, or logistics in a scientific setting.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with project managers, laboratory staff, couriers, and other stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative and self-motivation.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment and adjust resources accordingly.
- Basic computer skills, including the ability to enter and maintain data in internal systems and databases.
- Ability and willingness to work overtime as needed to support operational demands.
- Capability to lift and carry packages weighing up to 50 pounds as part of daily responsibilities.
- Comfort working within defined turnaround requirements and following established procedures for sample handling and documentation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 12 years of experience in a laboratory, environmental, or related field preferred.
- Previous supervisory or team lead experience is strongly preferred and considered a plus.
- Experience with environmental science, environmental lab operations, or environmental testing workflows.
- Familiarity with LIMS platforms such as Element LIMS or similar systems is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills to provide clear direction, support, and feedback to a small team.
- Ability to coordinate with external vendors, third-party laboratories, and transportation providers.
- Experience with process improvement, workflow optimization, or department organization initiatives.
- Comfort working in a small-team environment where collaboration and flexibility are highly valued.
- Interest in professional growth, with the ability to grow within the position or transition into other departments over time.
Work Environment
This role operates within a regional environmental testing laboratory that has been providing high-quality environmental services for over four decades. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, reliability, and long-term client relationships, with a small, close-knit team and direct access to leadership on site. The site operates between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and the supervisor works Monday through Friday on an eight-hour shift schedule with some flexibility in start and end times. Fridays require coverage from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. due to higher sample volume. The position involves leading a team of field couriers and sample receiving personnel, working closely with laboratory staff, and using internal database systems and a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The work includes physical activity such as lifting and carrying packages up to 50 pounds, handling coolers and sampling containers, and managing inventory and supplies. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a strong focus on accuracy, chain-of-custody integrity, and efficient logistics. Occasional overtime may be required to meet operational needs and client turnaround expectations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfield, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Fairfield,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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