Milk Lab Operations Lead – Dairy Testing

Sowela; Marshfield (WI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sowela is seeking a Milk Laboratory Supervisor in Marshfield, WI to lead the Milk Testing Department, ensuring accuracy and timely results for customers. You will supervise technicians, oversee QA/QC, and train staff on testing protocols to maintain compliance.

The role requires 2+ years in a lab setting, preferably in dairy, with strong leadership and organization skills. Flexibility for overtime and close coordination with QA/QC will be essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment, preferably in dairy and milk testing.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented and committed to accuracy and customer service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to work flexible hours or overtime as needed based on workload.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Milk Testing Department, including supervising and scheduling technicians.
• Conduct sample analysis and specialty testing; assist technicians during PTO coverage and busy periods.
• Adhere to regulations and SOPs; train employees on testing protocols.
• Ensure timely testing and verification of results for customers.
• Maintain QA/QC protocols and troubleshoot equipment.
• Communicate with customers regarding daily needs and expectations.
• Maintain lab supplies and collaborate on certifications and audits.
• Manage lab media, agars, and reagents; coordinate with lab operations on inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Organization

Communication

Time management

Detail-oriented

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Farmers all around the world need tools to help provide the very best care to their land and animals. From seed to cheese, we help support those farmers through our herd and feed management solutions, milk recording and analysis, agricultural testing, consulting and more.

For the past 60 years we’ve woken up each day to support those that never stop feeding the world – and we have no plans to quit. We set the standard for farm management solutions and fix our eyes on raising the bar to meet the next generation of expectations.

Milk Laboratory Supervisor – Marshfield, WI

SUMMARY STATEMENT

We’re seeking a detail-oriented Milk Lab Supervisor to lead our Milk Testing Department. In this role, you’ll oversee daily lab operations, ensure testing accuracy and compliance, and support a skilled team of technicians to deliver timely, high-quality results for our customers.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department, including supervising and scheduling technicians according to workload needs.
• Conduct sample analysis and specialty testing provided in the lab. Assist technicians as needed due to PTO coverage and increased workloads.
• Adhere to regulations and standard operating procedures, as well as train employees on all testing protocols and procedures.
• Ensure testing is being conducted by each technician in a timely fashion and is based on customer specific needs. Be conscientious of laboratory results being distributed to customers and confirm that results are verified if questionable.
• Oversee and/or perform daily QA/QC protocols. Maintain proper quality control measures needed for each test. Clean, maintain and troubleshoot all equipment used in the department.
• Communicate effectively with customers on a daily basis or as needed. Keep current on client's daily needs and expectations.
• Keep current on lab methods, procedures, and certifications. Work closely with QA/QC Manager on all certification paperwork, SOPs and procedures associated with certification processes, including on-site audits and deficiency reports.
• Maintain supplies needed for department, including preparation of lab media, agars, and special reagents. Work closely with Manager, FEL Laboratory Operations on supplies needed, as well as inventory of supplies for department.

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment, preferably in dairy and milk testing
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience
• High school diploma required, associate or bachelor’s degree in a scientific field preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills
• Detail-oriented and committed to accuracy and customer service
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to work flexible hours or overtime as needed based on workload

Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.