Lab Manager

One Degree Agriculture; Wahpeton (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

One Degree Agriculture is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee quality systems supporting ethanol production. The role leads lab activities, ensures product quality, and drives continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include managing the lab program, inventory, instrumentation, data analysis, and staff development, while ensuring regulatory compliance and safety across the operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a comparable scientific or technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of laboratory quality experience in a dry-mill ethanol facility or related processing environment.
• Experience designing and maintaining effective laboratory quality systems.
• Understanding of fermentation and distillation processes in ethanol manufacturing.
• Experience with environmental testing programs and regulatory reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and a valid driver's license.
• Strong communication, analytical thinking, mathematical aptitude, negotiation, conflict resolution, and organization.
• Proven leadership with a customer-focused approach and ability to build productive relationships

Responsibilities

• Lead the lab quality program by establishing testing practices aligned with standards.
• Oversee inventory, replenish materials, and negotiate purchasing terms for cost efficiency.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate analytical instrumentation.
• Collect production samples, evaluate results, and recommend process improvements.
• Direct laboratory personnel through hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Maintain lab procedures and ensure staff follow updated instructions.
• Monitor quality trends, maintain records, and lead efficiency projects.
• Manage safety, compliance, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Skills

Laboratory quality

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry or related field

Job description

Our client is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee quality systems supporting their ethanol production operation. This position leads lab activities, ensures product quality, supports regulatory compliance, and drives continuous improvement across the operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lab quality program by establishing and maintaining effective testing practices aligned with accepted laboratory standards and industry expectations
• Oversee laboratory inventory, replenish testing materials and process chemicals as needed, and negotiate purchasing terms when appropriate to improve cost efficiency
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate analytical laboratory instrumentation used for routine product and process testing
• Collect production samples, evaluate quality results, identify operational concerns, and recommend process improvements using laboratory data
• Direct laboratory personnel through hiring support, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and ongoing employee development
• Maintain laboratory procedures, ensure current operating instructions remain accurate, and verify employees are trained on updated processes
• Monitor production quality trends, maintain required testing records, and lead projects that improve operating efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs
• Manage laboratory safety, compliance, and regulatory reporting activities while ensuring applicable governmental requirements are consistently satisfied

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a comparable scientific or technical discipline
• Three to five years of laboratory quality experience within a dry-mill ethanol facility or a closely related processing environment
• Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and maintaining effective laboratory quality systems
• Thorough understanding of fermentation and distillation processes associated with ethanol manufacturing
• Background supporting environmental testing programs and required regulatory reporting activities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, standard office equipment, and possession of a valid driver's license
• Strong communication, analytical thinking, mathematical aptitude, negotiation, conflict resolution, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Proven leadership ability with a customer-focused approach, high ethical standards, and success building productive relationships across internal and external stakeholders