Lab Manager - Ethanol

One Degree Ag; Wahpeton (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

One Degree Ag in Wahpeton, ND is seeking a Lab Manager to lead the quality program supporting ethanol production. You will oversee lab testing, calibrate instruments, manage inventory, and drive improvements while ensuring regulatory compliance and safety.

You will mentor staff, coordinate with production, and maintain documentation and records for audits. A chemistry-related degree and 3–5 years in ethanol-lab quality are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a comparable scientific or technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of laboratory quality experience in an ethanol/processing environment.
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory quality systems.
• Understanding of fermentation and distillation in ethanol manufacturing.
• Regulatory reporting and environmental testing familiarity.
• Proficiency with MS Office and standard lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lab quality program with testing practices aligned to standards.
• Oversee lab inventory, testing materials, and negotiate purchasing to save costs.
• Maintain calibration and upkeep of analytical instrumentation.
• Collect samples, evaluate results, and propose process improvements.
• Direct lab personnel through training, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Maintain procedures and ensure updated operating instructions are followed.
• Monitor quality trends, maintain testing records, and drive efficiency improvements.
• Oversee safety, compliance, and regulatory reporting.

Skills

Lab leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

MS Office

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Location: Wahpeton, North Dakota, United States

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