Casual Hire - Lab Manager - WVAPDC

University of Hawaii system; Hawaii; On-site; USD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Hawai’i is seeking a Casual Hire Lab Manager at Leeward Community College to provide leadership of food manufacturing processes and equipment at the Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC).

The role requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with related experience, strong knowledge of sanitation and safety, and the ability to build partnerships with users and industry. This is a temporary, full-time position with a potential start in December 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field and 2 years of related work experience.
• Functional knowledge of food manufacturing principles, practices and techniques.
• Understanding of sanitation and equipment safety protocols.
• Ability to recognize problems, identify causes and resolve issues in food manufacturing.
• Ability to write reports, communicate effectively, and build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide expertise in food manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Ensure equipment safety, operability and maintenance.
• Develop procedures for communication and safety in kitchens and equipment.
• Build relationships with users, students and industry for opportunities.
• Execute training programs and workshops on equipment use.
• Foster collaborations with WVAPDC partners and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain cleaning and maintenance to keep the facility safe and hygienic.

Skills

Food manufacturing knowledge

Project management

Communication

Safety protocols

Equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts

Bachelor's degree in Management

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing

Related field

Job description

Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University of Hawai’i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative professional and technical (APT) or Instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees such as paid leave and holidays. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees and up to one calendar year for part-time employees.

Title: Casual Hire - Lab Manager - WVAPDC

Position Number: Casual Hire

Hiring Unit: Vice Chancellor’s Office

Location: Leeward Community College

Date Posted: 10/26/2026

Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM, HST

Salary: $29.47/hour

Schedule: Up to 40 hours /week

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: To begin approximately December 2026; pending availability of funds and actual staffing requirements.

Description of Duties:

• Under general supervision, provide expertise and leadership of food manufacturing processes and equipment at the Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC).
• Assist in ensuring food manufacturing equipment is safe, operable and maintained.
• Develop and implement procedures to promote appropriate communication and safety information regarding kitchen and equipment protocol.
• Establish and maintain relationships in the production kitchens with users, students and industry.
• Assist in the execution of programs, workshops and training on equipment for users.
• Leverage entrepreneurial/business background to foster relationships with users across sectors and identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth, specific to food production and manufacturing.
• Manage relationships with WVAPDC partnering organizations as well as requirements for local authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Execute proper cleaning and maintenance protocols ensuring the facility is safe and hygenic.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Culinary Arts, Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field and 2 years of related work experience with responsibilities for food manufacturing or project management; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of food manufacturing demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, and terminology.
3. Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with sanitation and equipment safety protocols.
4. Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of food manufacturing.
5. Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated ability to work with adult learners
2. Familiarity with competency-based training and behavioral objectives

The University of Hawai’i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai’i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai’i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/