Meat Lab Operations & Compliance Lead

NMSU; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Meat Laboratory Manager Senior job opening seeks an experienced leader to oversee lab operations, staff, and safety programs in Las Cruces. You will supervise daily activities, coordinate facilities, and mentor students while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and at least 5 years of meat industry experience, with a track record in teaching, research support, and industry outreach.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree + 9 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 7 years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree or higher preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the meat industry.
• Supervisory experience including team leadership, training, and mentoring.
• Demonstrated experience coaching a collegiate meat judging team.

Responsibilities

• Meat Laboratory Operations and Staff Supervision: Schedule, direct, supervise, manage daily operations, serve as building proctor, coordinate facilities/equipment/personnel, train staff and students.
• Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, and Quality Assurance: Maintain HACCP plans, sanitation SOPs, E. coli plan; comply with meat inspection, sanitation, safety, and USDA/state requirements.
• Meat Processing, Production, and Inventory Management: Participate in slaughter, cutting, fabrication, curing, smoking; procure supplies; maintain yields, costs, inventory, disposition, and sales records.
• Research and Academic Support: Assist faculty and students with planning, scheduling, and conducting teaching/research; coordinate facility resources for meat science courses; coach collegiate meat judging team.
• Outreach, Industry Engagement, and Educational Programming: Conduct short courses, field days, workshops; support industry training; build partnerships with producers and industry.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Meat science knowledge

Food safety management

Regulatory compliance

Education/training

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher

Job description

New Mexico State University’s Meat Laboratory Manager Senior job opening seeks an experienced leader to oversee lab operations, staff, and safety programs in Las Cruces. You will supervise daily activities, coordinate facilities, and mentor students while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and at least 5 years of meat industry experience, with a track record in teaching, research support, and industry outreach.