Iowa State University · 3 weeks ago
ISU Meat Lab Team Leader
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 role oversees student employees and is involved in animal harvest, carcass fabrication, and meat processing while collaborating closely with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
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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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in animal science, meat science, food science or a related field
Experience overseeing staff or student workers
HACCP certified and experience managing and implementing HACCP food safety systems
Experience with animal harvest, carcass fabrication, and meat processing
Experience operating and maintaining meat processing equipment including, but not limited to, meat saws, vacuum stuffers, grinders, mixers, bowl cutters, injectors, smokehouses, and packaging machines
Experience with humane livestock handling
Benefits
Comprehensive health and work-life benefits
Medical and dental
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions
Company
Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public flagship land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$5.51MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Energy Office of ElectricityUS Department of EnergyUS Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administation
2024-08-28Grant· $1M
2024-03-28Grant
2024-02-26Grant
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