Assistant Manager

Designation: Assistant Manager – Environment Services

Department: Biosciences / Environment Division

Reports to: Head – Environment Services

Qualification

- M.Sc. in Environmental Science (mandatory).
- Additional qualifications in Environmental Management / Industrial Safety
- ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Auditor / Lead Auditor training is desirable.

Experience

- 8–10 years of progressive experience in environmental laboratory testing and management.
- Demonstrated expertise in NABL/ISO 17025 accredited environments, with experience in report signing authority preferred.
- Strong technical exposure across biodegradation, microplastics, water/wastewater, soil, hazardous waste, and air monitoring studies.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Analytical

1. Handle testing and analysis of:

- Water & Wastewater: Physico-chemical, organics, nutrients, microbial, and heavy metal analysis.
- Soil & Hazardous Waste: TCLP, solid waste characterization, leachates, hazardous waste classification.
- Air & Emissions: Ambient air quality, stack monitoring, particulates (PM10/PM2.5).
- Biodegradation & Microplastics: ASTM D5511, OECD 301/302, polymer degradation, microplastic studies.
- Failure Analysis: Chemical/physical root cause investigations for materials.

1. Interpret test results and ensure accurate final reporting to customers.
2. Validate and develop new methods as per APHA, ASTM, ISO, BIS, and EPA standards.

Instrumentation

1. Operate, calibrate, and maintain advanced laboratory equipment:

- GC, GC-MS, HPLC, ICP-OES, AAS, UV-Vis spectrophotometers.
- Standard titrimetric and gravimetric techniques for environmental matrices.

1. Ensure instrument calibration, AMC, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
2. Liaise with service providers for equipment upkeep and regulatory compliance.

Quality & Compliance

1. Prepare, maintain, and update documentation for NABL/ISO 17025/IAS scopes.
2. Represent laboratory scope during NABL/IAS audits and ensure audit readiness.
3. Manage internal audits, document non-conformances, and drive closure of NCRs.
4. Ensure adherence to laboratory safety, regulatory, and statutory environmental guidelines.

Team Leadership

1. Supervise and allocate work to analysts, ensuring timely throughput and high-quality results.
2. Provide technical training on methods, instrumentation, and audit processes.
3. Assess and track competency of team members; conduct periodic evaluations.
4. Support client-facing discussions by providing technical expertise and solutions.

Operations & Resource Management

1. Oversee procurement, inventory, and traceability of CRMs, consumables, and chemicals.
2. Manage maintenance schedules of lab infrastructure and ensure optimal utilization.
3. Oversee safe disposal of laboratory waste in line with CPCB/SPCB guidelines.
4. Manage subcontracted testing – vendor qualification, result review, and documentation.

Technical Skills Required

- Strong knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality systems.
- Proficiency in standard methods: APHA, ASTM, BIS, ISO, EPA.
- Expertise in operating ICP-OES, GC, GC-MS, HPLC, AAS, UV-Vis.
- Data interpretation, statistical analysis, and method validation.
- Experience in biodegradation, polymer testing, and microplastic quantification.
- Familiarity with LIMS and laboratory digital reporting systems.

Core Competencies

- Analytical and technical problem-solving ability.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Excellent communication for report writing and customer queries.
- Detail orientation and audit discipline.
- Ability to balance technical delivery with compliance and customer requirements.