Lab Supervisor

The Lab Supervisor oversees day-to-day tasks associated with the quality of all raw materials, finished product and packaging used or produced in order to meet the specifications and standards set forth by Helena and its contract customers.

This position is with Helena's manufacturing group which operates under the name Helena Industries or HI. HI has provided formulations and packaging solutions for companies around the world for over 60 years. As one of the largest chemical toll manufacturers and service companies in the U.S., we set the bar for the industry in ensuring the safety of our clients' technology, brand and assets with integrity and pride.

The employee's primary duty must be the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of Helena or Helena's customers. This also includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgement with respect to matters of significance.

Our ideal candidate demonstrates good judgement, professionalism, strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative style with high integrity, tact and a positive attitude. 

What your day may look like

• Ensures the lab team is adequately trained to safely perform all required job functions
• Maintains competency records
• Understands customer requirements
• Organizes lab procedures, schedules and team members to provide for meeting and exceeding customer requirements
• Compiles and analyzes test information to determine operating efficiency of processes and equipment
• Diagnoses problems and malfunctions
• Recommends measures to improve testing procedures, use of equipment and needs for new equipment
• Conducts research to develop custom procedures as needed, working in conjunction with Quality Assurance Manager
• Prepares analytical reports and maintains data on computer
• Provides lab-related customer service, troubleshooting and problem solving to advance the Trusted Resource brand
• Performs non-routine and advanced quality control tests
• Analyzes and verifies sample tests performed by employees are representative of final products
• Maintains a clean work environment both inside and outside the facility by using good housekeeping habits
• Other work-related duties as assigned by leader.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Education and experience needed for this position

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biology or equivalent experience in lieu of degree is required.
• Five years of laboratory experience using gas chromatograph and HPLC is preferred.
• One year leadership experience is required.

Other skills that will help you succeed

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of operation and repair of gas chromatograph and HPLC
• Analytical skills
• Excellent mathematical skills
• Ability to stand for long periods of time in hot or cold temperatures
• May be required to pass OSHA respirator physical
• Available to work rotating shifts as scheduled including weekends if needed
• Available during off shifts and weekends for any lab-related issues or questions
• Presentation skills
• Ability to travel by various means

Being a leader at Helena

At Helena, we lead by example. Our leaders are expected to demonstrate the same qualities that we value in our employees -- integrity, passion and accountability. When you become a leader at Helena, you are not just overseeing a team of people, you are inspiring and empowering those around you to be better each day. And when our leaders do that, success comes naturally.

In this leadership role, you may be responsible for leading some or all of the following positions: Quality Line Inspector, Quality Assurance Technician and Quality Improvement Specialist. This includes carrying out leadership responsibilities such as interviewing, hiring, training and coaching employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems by following all of Helena's policies, procedures and applicable laws.

Your work environment and the physical aspects of the job

There are potential hazards associated with any chemical manufacturing business but at Helena Industries safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures including engineered solutions and personal protective equipment and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could potentially be harmful to our employees.

The work environment for this position is that of a typical plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate to loud. In this position, you will regularly work near moving equipment/mechanical parts and could be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock. This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, stand and sit. You may be occasionally required to lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Lab and office positions at the plant would only have occasional exposure if they must go out into the plant.

Who we are

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is one of the nation's foremost agronomy solutions providers. We rank near the top nationally in volume and sales for crop production products, fertilizer, custom application, seed and precision agriculture, turf management, industrial weed control, forestry, aquatics and more. As a solutions provider, we help our customers make critical decisions about soil variability, nutrient and water availability, seed selection and pest management. We take pride in working with our growers beyond the sale, helping them in every aspect of their business.

Helena operates under several main business groups -- Helena Products Group, AGRIntelligence, Helena Industries, LLC and Diversified Applications, Inc.

Helena is a special place to be

At Helena, we are family. Our employees take care of each other and support each other at work and in their personal life. Our family-like atmosphere creates a positive work environment that allows our employees to be high-performers because they feel comfort and compassion from their leader and team.

Our family-like culture is centered on our employees who embody our core values which we refer to as R.A.P.I.D.S. -- Responsive, Attitude, Proactive, Integrity, Dependability and Safety. At Helena Industries, you will find transparent and open communication. We care about our employees and value their opinions. We appreciate that our employees want to understand their contribution to the company's mission, that they take ownership of their responsibilities and then are trusted to perform.

At Helena Industries, you will find recognition for hard work and positive reinforcement through excellent benefits, competitive pay and daily workplace interactions.

Helena's commitment to diversity and inclusion

At Helena, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all our employees feel safe, valued and have the opportunity to succeed. We embrace different backgrounds and human experiences because our customers are also diverse. When we all show deep appreciation for each other and our customers it builds trust that strengthens Helena and keeps us competitive.

Helena supports individuals with disabilities and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform job responsibilities.

Stay connected to Helena

For the latest job postings and company news, visit us at www.helenacareers.com.

Helena is an equal opportunity employer.