Biosafety Laboratory 3 Plant Laboratory Director

Job description:

POSITION TITLE: Biosafety Laboratory 3 Plant Laboratory Director DEPARTMENT: Citrus Research Board (CRB)

LOCATION: Riverside CA

REPORTS TO: CASS Executive Officer

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time Regular Exempt

COMPENSATION: $89003.20- $93953.60 (starting salary range)

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority formed initially as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity. Since then CASSs services have expanded throughout California to support the agricultural industry and the consumers of its products by providing human resources and administrative support services. CASSs program activities include agricultural inspection pest prevention and other programs administered by CDFA county agricultural commissioners and other public agencies. Our current work includes:

Agricultural Commodity Grading Program

Grading using County State and Federal standards

Emergency Pest Detection Trapping and Survey Program

Professional Development and Educational Training

We are hiring a Biosafety Laboratory 3 Plant Laboratory Director to support the Citrus Research Boards research and outreach efforts. This position reports to the CASS Executive Officer and to CRBs President for the technical aspects of the position.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The California Citrus Research and Field Trials (CA-CRaFT) Project is a federally funded initiative aimed at demonstrating how additional mitigation strategies can improve Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) control at the grower level across key citrus- producing areas in California where ACP and/or Huanglongbing (HLB) are established. By evaluating control efforts in commercial groves the project supports area-wide management and highlights the field-level benefits of existing mitigation tools for regional state and national impact.

Under the guidance of CASS staff and the Citrus Research Board Program (CRB) technical leadership the Project Coordinator will assist many aspects of the CA-CRaFT project reporting directly to the CRBs IPM Entomologist. This role includes assisting with data collection preparing written reports and communicating research outcomes including psyllid monitoring data to participating growers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Acts as the primary contact and safety coordinator for the Facility.

Ensures that subordinate staff properly decontaminate research areas between projects and when necessary autoclave and dispose of waste from greenhouses labs and growth chambers while maintaining a clean facility including common areas lab spaces greenhouses and grounds.

Assists in ensuring personnel follow all protocols.

Assists in maintaining and enforcing existing Standard Operating Procedures and other protocols (containment equipment laboratory greenhouse etc.) and develops new/revised additions to existing protocols as needed.

Maintains computerized records of projects in the Facility including applicable permits. The Director will assist with the handling and introduction of materials designed for the Facility ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations regarding permitting importation propagation shipment and release of these materials.

Assists in the oversight of the processing of all incoming foreign and interstate shipments and the disposal of all plant and unwanted living organisms in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Ensures that accurate databases of material chemical and biological inventories used by the Facility as well as equipment and supplies inventories are maintained by subordinate staff.

Establishes and conducts training programs for authorized researchers within the Facility in the safe operation of the equipment and resources within the Facility.

Maintains roster of authorized users to different areas of the Facility.

Provides expert counsel by evaluating interpreting and applying laws regulations codes and standards across the complexity of environmental health and safety disciplines.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training required.

Masters or PH.D. in plant pathology entomology nematology biological sciences or plant sciences or experience acquired through education and work preferred.

3 5 years of related experience required.

Experience working in modern microbiological high containment laboratories preferred.

Experience with plants nursery and greenhouse production required.

Knowledge of laboratory safety including but not limited to biosafety cabinet operation fume hoods and laboratory ventilation personal protective equipment and other hazardous materials.

Broad knowledge of or the ability to learn and operate building mechanical systems/equipment and specialized greenhouse and growth chamber-controlled environment systems to optimize environmental conditions including the recognition and corrective action on deficiencies when possible or identify and report problems to Operations & Maintenance/Facilities.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee all high-containment activities.

Ensure all personnel are competent and adequately trained maintaining ultimate responsibility for all laboratory operations.

Maintains on-call availability to respond appropriately to facility emergencies including evenings and weekends.

Travel is required.

Requires travel outside of regular business hours.

Possesses a valid Drivers License.

COMPENSATION:

• Full Time Regular Exempt
• $89003.20- $93953.60 starting salary range depending on qualifications.
• Benefits package includes medical/dental/vision benefits Health Savings Account (HSA) and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement Plan 457(b) with matching contributions.
• Annual leave and 13 paid holidays.
• Travel and mileage reimbursement.
• Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent in this position will be required with or without reasonable accommodation to operate a desktop computer using a keyboard and mouse; employ repetitive arm and wrist motions; occasionally bend stoop twist reach and lift file or supply boxes of up to thirty-five (35) pounds.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance