Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 84,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

State of Oregon’s Department of Agriculture is seeking a Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) to oversee daily operations of our analytical laboratory facilities in Wilsonville, Oregon. It offers scientific leadership, ensures ISO 17025 compliance, mentors staff, and drives quality testing and timely results.

This full‑time position requires six years of supervisory experience or three years with a bachelor’s in Biology or Chemistry, with a competitive

Qualifications

• Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience.
• OR
• Three years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field of science.

Responsibilities

• The Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) provides scientific, supervisory, and strategic leadership for the agency’s analytical laboratory program, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• You will oversee the activities of laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality testing and timely results.
• In this role you will maintain accreditation to ISO IEC 17025, serve as the agency representative member to Oregon’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and requirements.
• You will develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies and procedures.
• You will lead, supervise, mentor, and recruit diverse, competent, innovative, and service-oriented staff to support the Oregon Department of Agriculture mission and strategic objectives.

Skills

Six years supervision/management

Three years related experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Chemistry

Job description

Position Title

Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2)

Initial Posting Date

09/11/2026

Application Deadline

09/27/2026

Agency

Department of Agriculture

Salary Range

$7,537 - $11,657

Position Type

Employee

Job Description

Are you a driven, collaborative professional with robust experience in laboratory operations with proven strategic leadership abilities? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) to oversee and improve the daily operations of our laboratory facilities. As a key member of our team, you will have the opportunity to lead and implement initiatives that optimize efficiency, quality, and compliance in our labs. If this sounds like the next step in your career, then don’t delay, apply today!

Oregon Department Of Agriculture – Who We Are

At ODA, employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in ODA’s core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more about what we do here!

The Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) is a full-time permanent position, located in Wilsonville, Oregon.

What You’ll Be Doing

• The Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) provides scientific, supervisory, and strategic leadership for the agency’s analytical laboratory program, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• You will oversee the activities of laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality testing and timely results.
• In this role you will maintain accreditation to ISO IEC 17025, serve as the agency representative member to Oregon’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and requirements.
• You will develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies and procedures.
• You will lead, supervise, mentor, and recruit diverse, competent, innovative, and service-oriented staff to support the Oregon Department of Agriculture mission and strategic objectives.

What are we looking for?

To Qualify For The Position, You Need

Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience.

OR

Three years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field of science.

Desired Attributes For This Position

• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex laboratory operations and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Demonstrated leadership strengths with the ability to effectively guide scientific, technical, and administrative teams.
• Experience developing, validating, and implementing scientific methods and workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to understand technical laboratory workflows, complex scientific data, assays, and complex equipment.
• Expertise in managing laboratory budgets, capital equipment procurement, and vendor contracts.
• Demonstrated ability communicating as the primary liaison between scientific staff, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: September 27, 2026
• 1st Round of Interviews: Week of October 12th, 2026
• 2nd Round of Interviews: TBD
• Anticipated Start Date: December 1, 2026
• *These dates are approximate and may change. *

What’s In It For You

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additional Information

• Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.
• Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity. Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate’s professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary range. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.
• United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help?

Should you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email: [e-mail] or call 503-986-4584.