Senior Manager - Soil Testing Laboratory

Rutgers; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 94,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Education benefits for employee and/de

Life insurance coverage

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers University in New Jersey seeks a Senior Manager for the Soil Testing Laboratory. The role leads staff, oversees finances, marketing, and educational outreach, and coordinates with NJAES/ SEBS research teams to support soil testing services.

Responsibilities include supervising technicians, refining testing methods, preparing reports, and guiding outreach programs for laboratory clientele. A strong background in soil science and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil management, or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of soil chemical, biological and physical processes especially as they affect plant growth and health.

Responsibilities

• Analyses soil, compost, and solution samples submitted by clients in a timely fashion.
• Directs and supervises laboratory technicians and student assistants and participates in analytical duties to assure tests are processed efficiently.
• Makes decisions on process methodology and ensures quality control measures.
• Reviews data and produces test reports for clientele.
• Develops budgets, policies, and management strategies for STL and coordinates with NJAES/ SEBS faculties.
• Oversees finances, HR, and administration of the STL and prepares annual fiscal year reports.

Education

Master’s degree in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil management, or closely related field

Ph.D. in soil science discipline related to soil fertility, soil chemistry, or closely related field

Job description

Senior Manager - Soil Testing Laboratory

Recruitment/Posting Title Senior Manager - Soil Testing Laboratory

Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)

Department Soil Testing & Plant Diagnosti

Overview The Soil Testing Lab ( STL ) is a service unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station that performs chemical and mechanical analyses of approximately 8,000 soil, water, and compost samples annually for New Jersey residents, organizations, and businesses, as well as for Rutgers research personnel. The mission of the Laboratory is to provide accurate and timely soil, water, and compost test reports to aid sustainable agricultural and environmental management decisions throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Senior Manager – Soil Testing Laboratory for the The Soil Testing Lab ( STL ), a service unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The Senior Manager of Soil Testing is responsible for managing and supervising all staff and functions associated with the Soil Testing Lab. This includes supervision of the financial accounts, marketing and educational outreach, support of NJAES / SEBS research. The Senior Manager also prepares reports and educational materials, and develops, coordinates, and participates in outreach programs and special projects for laboratory clientele.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Analyzes soil, compost, and solution samples submitted by clients in a timely fashion.
• Directs and supervises laboratory technicians and student assistants and participates in analytical duties to assure samples’ tests are processed efficiently and data is managed appropriately.
• Makes decisions on process methodology and assures quality control measures.
• Reviews data and produces test reports for clientele.
• Works with SEBS -IT programmer to update and continue development of the bespoke database to improve user-friendly interpretations and recommendations.
• Assists NJAES , RCE , SEBS faculty and staff researchers in planning soil sampling and testing. Provides consultation regarding special handling, analysis, interpretation, and/or recommendations.
• Hosts, trains, and supervises select SEBS graduate students who include soil testing as part of their research.
• Summarizes STL operations by producing annual reports.
• Oversees finances, HR, and administration of the STL .
• Manages daily operation of the STL , which includes budget, fee collection, marketing, and preparation of a fiscal year report.
• Serves on the Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services advisory committee.
• Trains, supervises, and assigns duties to staff.
• Develops and implements budgets, policies, and management strategies.
• Works with Business Office to track expenses, monitor payment of PO’s, order supplies, etc.
• Works closely with the Senior Associate Director, NJAES and the Office of Finance & Administration at NJAES / SEBS , and other individuals as needed to ensure that operational budgets are in alignment with STL needs, expenditures are in-budget and are made in compliance with Rutgers’s policies, and that internal support for continued program funding is being provided.
• Develops strategies that lead to financial growth and testing capacity of STL .
• Identifies and pursues new sources of funding that enable program expansion and enhancement.

FLSA Exempt

Grade 07

Salary Details Minimum Salary 94492.000 Mid Range Salary 119604.000 Maximum Salary 144715.000

Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status Full Time

Working Hours Standard Hours 37.50

Daily Work Shift Day

Work Arrangement This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility ABP

Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil management, or closely related field.
• A minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in a laboratory setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of soil chemical, biological and physical processes especially as they affect plant growth and health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil science discipline related to soil fertility, soil chemistry, or closely related field.
• Certification and/or experience as a crop advisor or professional soil scientist.
• Soil testing Laboratory instruments: pH meter/robot, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, carbon/nitrogen analyzer, x-ray fluorescence spectrometer, segmented flow autoanalyzer, electrical conductivity instrument, liquid dispensing equipment.
• Field equipment: soil probe and auger.
• Microsoft Office: Demonstrated computer skills in a variety of applications.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, such as buckets of soil or trays of soil samples.
• Ability to tolerate dust.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a master’s degree in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil management, or closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in a laboratory setting?
  • Yes
  • No

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