Assistant Environmental Project Manager at Sterling Labs – Des Plaines, Illinois

About Us

Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring & Technologies, LLC) is a DoD, NELAP, ANAB, and AIHA-accredited environmental laboratory providing high-integrity analytical data through state-of-the-art technology and validated testing methodologies. For more than 40 years, our work has supported initiatives that protect human health and the environment.

Our success is built on client partnerships and scientific excellence. We collaborate with environmental consultants, engineering firms, and government agencies to deliver reliable, timely analytical results that support regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. From wastewater testing in the greater Chicago area to nationwide projects with Department of Defense partners, our commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive our growth.

When you join Sterling Labs, you become part of a team of scientists, professionals, and technical specialists who share one purpose:

WE PRESERVE THE PLANET TO PROTECT THE FUTURE

This purpose shapes our culture, drives our decisions, and guides how we serve our clients and support one another. We believe that meaningful progress comes from integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement—principles that are reflected in our core values.

Our Core Values

• Integrity in Everything We Do -We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
• Customer Focused - We prioritize our clients’ needs and value their feedback.
• We are never satisfied - We seek better ways to serve our clients and support our employees through innovation and growth.

At Sterling Labs, we know our employees are the foundation of our success. We strive to provide a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace where every individual is encouraged to learn, innovate, and advance.

Employee Benefits

Sterling Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our full-time employees:

• Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sterling Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Recruitment Notice

Sterling Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Please do not forward resumes to company email addresses or employees. Sterling Labs is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for supporting the project management team in all aspects of project completion, in accordance with Sterling Labs Standard Operating Procedures. This includes serving in a support role for the environmental project management team, serving our core customer base. The Assistant Project Manager will work in a non-client-facing capacity to perform administrative functions to enable the account management (client-facing) team to execute projects at an exceptional level.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish pricing in accordance with Sterling Labs, Inc. Pricing Guidelines and secure the appropriate internal approvals before releasing the proposal to the client.
• Complete projects, set up activities to meet the requirements of Sterling Labs’ Laboratory Management System. (LIMS).
• Write work orders and schedule all analysis and pickups for the Laboratory as specified in Sterling Labs Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Review all Chain of Custodies (COCs), daily to ensure the correct tests and methods are selected and logged into LIMS and resolve all questions with client/field/lab prior to initiation of services.
• Make sure all COCs reflect the client's needs and wants, and that they are filled out correctly. Resolve any ambiguities before the start of work.
• Review all test methods to ensure the work product complies with regulatory parameters, detection limits, and any unique client needs or concerns.
• Ensure that work orders are handled correctly and on time, while accounting for all other work projects currently being processed.
• Communicate across departments to meet client requests and expectations.
• Check the status of results to ensure they will be reported on time, and communicate any schedule changes to the client before the due date.
• Print out completed lab reports.
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree preferred; background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related science field is a plus but not required
• 1–2 years of customer service, account coordination, or administrative support experience strongly preferred
• Strong organizational and customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-directed; goal and outcome oriented

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer while reviewing data and preparing reports.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, handle paperwork, and operate office and laboratory software systems (such as LIMS).
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching for filing, report printing, and sample documentation tasks.
• Must be able to lift or carry boxes of samples, binders, or office materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to communicate clearly with clients, laboratory, and field staff in person, over the phone, and through email.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.