Lab Manager

Job: Lab Manager

Location: Mt. Vernon, IN

Job Summary: Responsible for managing the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of the ethanol plant to ensure maximum yield and quality, while supporting the goals and objectives of this company.

Essential Functions include but are not limited to:

• Manage plant QA/QC program and monitor based on best practice in the ethanol industry.
• Monitor use and inventories of laboratory chemicals and supplies. Initiate reordering when necessary.
• Monitor calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Prepare reports, analyze data and make recommendations for improving operation or solving process related problems.
• Sample various points in the process and conduct QA/QC tests as required.
• Supervise QA laboratory technicians.
• Ensures technicians are adequately trained, equipped and motivated, so QA/QC program can be accomplished in a safe, timely and cost efficient manner.
• Maintain and update operating and training manuals for the QA/QC laboratory.
• Ensure that all technicians are trained on the most updated version of the operating procedures.
• Communicate regularly with all technicians, both individually and as a group, to ensure consistent implementation of the program.
• Assist with hiring of laboratory personnel.
• Conduct employee performance reviews based on job descriptions to determine competency, knowledge and contribution of the process.
• Monitor plant QA/QC parameters.
• Review the operation of the plant constantly to monitor production and quality, to anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Indicate and carry out projects that improve efficiencies and/or reduce operating costs.
• Maintain adequate records on a daily, weekly and monthly basis of key QQ/QC variables.
• Direct, maintain and enforce the safety program for the QA/QC laboratory.
• Maintain environmental program.
• Implement environmental control program, including testing and reporting as required by regulatory agencies.
• Maintain safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure city, county, and state and federal regulations relating to the QA/QC laboratory are met at all times.
• Communicate directly with operations supervisor to ensure effective participation by the process operators in the implementation of QA/QC policies and procedures.
• Communicate directly with Maintenance Manager to coordinate maintenance and repair work in the laboratory.
• Coordinate activities with other departments.
• Implement programs and procedures required to ensure laboratory and plant cleanliness.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from a four year college or University in a related scientific or technical field.
• Four years of experience in a QA Laboratory in a dry-mill ethanol plant.
• Experience with implementing effective QA/QC programs.
• Waste water certification preferred but not required.
• In-depth knowledge of fermentation and distillation as they relate to the ethanol production process.
• Waste water industrial class B certification preferred but not be required .
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring and training laboratory employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraisal performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must have expertise and proficiency in office computer software, e.g. word processing, e-mail and spread sheets.
• Must have the ability to work efficiently with computerized laboratory equipment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• The employee must occasionally lift and/move up to 50 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near mechanical parts.
• The employee may be exposed to dusty conditions.
• The employee is regularly exposed to high noise environments.
• The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather in all conditions.
• The employee may be exposed to chemicals used in the process.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.