BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST I

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Columbia's Soil Health Assessment Center is seeking a detail-oriented Business Support Specialist I to provide administrative, financial, and operational support for the laboratory. This role handles client invoicing, HR paperwork, data entry, and procurement, while delivering high-quality service to clients, employees, and partners.

The position offers a Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• At least one year of administrative or business operations experience in a professional, academic, or laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory operations, agricultural extension, or research support environments.
• Experience with billing systems, purchasing software, or HRIS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Prepare client invoices, issue payment receipts, process and record payments, and monitor accounts receivable to ensure timely collection for laboratory services.
• Process hiring paperwork and other HR-related documentation, submit personnel action forms, and track onboarding materials. Maintain time records and review payroll reports for part-time and temporary employees.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the Soil Health Assessment Center by greeting visitors, fielding phone and email inquiries, and providing general information to clients, agency partners, and the public.
• Coordinate incoming shipments, log deliveries, and manage unscheduled or inappropriate shipments per lab protocols.
• Accurately enter and maintain data in databases and internal systems, including client information, lab requests, and financial records, ensuring confidentiality.
• Oversee the procurement of office and laboratory supplies, ensuring timely ordering and proper reconciliation in accordance with university purchasing policies.
• Provide logistical support for meetings, events, and special projects.
• Perform other administrative duties and support tasks as assigned by supervisors or the laboratory director.

Skills

Communication

Multi-tasking

MS Office

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Tools

Billing systems

Purchasing software

HRIS platforms

Job description

Hiring Department

Soil Health Assessment Center

Job Description

Position Overview

The University of Missouri's Soil Health Assessment Center is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Business Support Specialist I to provide administrative, financial, and operational support. This role is essential to ensuring smooth business operations within the laboratory and maintaining accurate records for clients, employees, and financial transactions. The ideal candidate will be proactive, customer-service oriented, and capable of handling multiple responsibilities efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare client invoices, issue payment receipts, process and record payments, and monitor account receivables to ensure timely collection for laboratory services.


• Process hiring paperwork and other HR-related documentation, submit personnel action forms, and track onboarding materials. Maintain time records and review payroll reports for part-time and temporary employees.


• Serve as the first point of contact for the Soil Health Assessment Center (SHAC) by greeting visitors, fielding phone and email inquiries, and providing general information to clients, agency partners, and the public.


• Coordinate incoming shipments, log deliveries, and manage unscheduled or inappropriate shipments per lab protocols.


• Accurately enter and maintain data in databases and internal systems, including client information, lab requests, and financial records, ensuring confidentiality.


• Oversee the procurement of office and laboratory supplies, ensuring timely ordering and proper reconciliation in accordance with university purchasing policies.


• Provide logistical support for meetings, events, and special projects.


• Perform other administrative duties and support tasks as assigned by supervisors or the laboratory director.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiarity with digital systems or databases.


• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Shift

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, environmental sciences, or a related field.


• At least one year of administrative or business operations experience in a professional, academic, or laboratory setting.


• Familiarity with laboratory operations, agricultural extension, or research support environments.


• Experience with billing systems, purchasing software, or HRIS platforms.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $15.10 - $20.19 hourly.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan # GGS 006
University Title: BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST I
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

MU Application, Resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for references will be required for hire.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.