ISU Meat Lab Team Leader

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Iowa State University is seeking a Program Specialist III Meat Lab Team Leader to support the day-to-day operations of the ISU Meat Laboratory including regulatory compliance and equipment maintenance. This position plays a critical role in supporting teaching research Extension and production activities within a USDA-inspected facility.

The role oversees and guides student employees; assists with undergraduate and graduate instruction faculty-led research and fee-for-service activities; and supports meat science Extension programming. The position is highly hands-on with direct involvement in animal harvest carcass fabrication value-added meat processing and packaging and close collaboration with faculty staff students and external stakeholders in a dynamic production-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of the ISU Meat Laboratory including animal harvest carcass fabrication value-added meat processing packaging labeling retail sales and fee-for-service activities.

• Oversee train and coordinate student employees to ensure efficient safe and compliant laboratory operations.

• Operate and oversee specialized meat processing and packaging equipment in support of teaching research Extension and production activities.

• Provide technical and operational support for undergraduate and graduate teaching faculty-led research projects and Extension programming including workshops short courses and outreach events.

• Develop implement and maintain USDA-FSIS regulatory compliance programs including HACCP SSOPs SOPs humane animal handling food defense labeling and required documentation.

• Conduct microbiological sampling complete annual HACCP reviews and ensure ongoing compliance with food safety and inspection requirements.

• Manage preventive maintenance programs for meat laboratory equipment maintain maintenance records and train students on safe and proper equipment operation.

• Maintain inventory and assist with procurement of supplies ingredients and equipment; communicate maintenance repair and replacement needs.

Why Join Us

The Iowa State University Meat Laboratory is a premier facility dedicated to supporting teaching research and Extension activities. The lab includes dedicated areas for slaughter fabrication further processing and packaging all outfitted with cutting-edge technology. The facility enhances student learning supports innovative research and provides valuable services to the meat industry. Iowa States Meat Science Program is nationally renowned and the Meat Laboratory is widely recognized as a leader in the field.

Why This Role is Right for You

If youre seeking a change of pace from traditional industry roles this position offers a rewarding alternativeone where you can be hands-on part of a collaborative and highly respected team and continue to grow your technical expertise leadership skills and professional network. Whether you see this role as a long-term home or a strategic stepping stone it provides the opportunity to give back grow forward and truly make a difference.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position will be open until filled.

The candidate will be hired as a Program Specialist III.

Level Guidelines
Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISUs mission and department or work unit goals
Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
Responds to complicated inquiries provides training and provides direction to lower-level staff
May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e. leads a small work team)
May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
Provides guidance to students

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