Dairy & Micro Supervisor

Agency Information: Kansas Department of Agriculture

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector including farmers, rancher, food establishments and agribusinesses. The agency has a balanced approach to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and Kansas economy while promoting and advocating for the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry, employer, and economic contributor. KDA helps to ensure a safe food supply, protects natural resources, promotes public health and safety, protects animal health, and provides consumer protection to the best of our ability.

Kansas Department of Agriculture: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Work Schedule: Days
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veteran Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Annual Salary Range: $48,000 to $50,000/Year
• Hourly Pay Range: $23.08 to $24.04/Hour

• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

Location: KDA Laboratory, Manhattan, Kansas

This position will remain posted until filled.

Duties include the assigning of duties and responsibilities for the Dairy and Microbiology Lab. Responsibilities include, but not limited to: observation, assistance, teaching, upkeep of instruments, and analysis of analytical results as to correctness through the use of proper internal analytical controls. This position is also a bench working position that performs hands-on analytical work. The incumbent must have or be able to obtain and maintain FDA and LEO certifications.

Takes initiative to ensure the Dairy/Micro section effectively functions to serve the needs of the agency and that samples are processed within expected timeframes with all supporting documentation. Anticipates and makes plans to accomplish assigned work. Schedules and chairs meetings with laboratory and program staff. Makes efficient use of available state resources (time, personnel, budget, infrastructure, etc.). Create and distribute monthly sampling schedules for Dairy inspectors. Takes ownership of equipment selection, calibration, maintenance/repair needs in microbiology section. Ensures routine reagent preparation and housekeeping needs are met. Builds teams. Motivates others. Identifies and supports personnel training and section cross-training needs. Holds personnel accountable to work standards, performance expectations, and safety standards. Assigns tasks and evaluates work of others. Provides input to executive management on staffing/recruitment or operational needs and strategic planning. Reviews and approves section purchases. Attend professional development conferences and leadership training courses as required. Fosters a positive work environment and encourages teammates to do the same.

Supervisor also performs and oversees the microbiological and chemical analyses for dairy, food, environmental and other samples for nutrients, microbiological targets, contaminants, medications, and/or physical properties while adhering to the quality management system. This includes sample preparation, analyses, data interpretation, preparation of reagents and solutions, and routine instrument system checks. Requires knowledge of and the ability to use PCR equipment to determine the presence or absence of pathogens in accepted samples. Also requires knowledge of and ability to use cell/colony counter, chemistry analyzers, centrifuge, autoclave, cryoscope, and general benchtop equipment. Perform confirmatory testing on any samples found to be positive for any pathogens. Review all required QA protocols, procedures, and records. Ensure technical competency of self and direct reports via proficiency testing programs.

Performs the duties of the Laboratory Evaluation Officer which includes on-site surveys of milk testing laboratories in Kansas to evaluate compliance with procedures and methodologies required by FDA of survey results, recommends corrective measures, completes survey reports and recommends issuance or denial of certification. Conducts follow-up surveys for those laboratories which are not certified due to program deficiencies. Prepare annual proficiency check samples for milk laboratories in the state.

Maintain accreditation to ISO 17025. This includes creating, revising, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), sample chain-of-custody procedures, and sampling agreements. Maintain sample integrity and customer confidentiality. Participate in internal audits, management review, and risk management. Schedule proficiency testing activities and assign to laboratory personnel to complete on time. Increase testing capabilities according to customer need.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biology, Agricultural or Life Sciences, or related field of science and any combination of the following to equal three (3) years.
• Experience in microbiology and/or education in microbiology including independent work experience and supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of microbiology and bench chemistry techniques.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory instruments.
• Experience and/or knowledge of method development, validation, or verification.
• Good public speaking, written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Recruiter Contact Information:

• Name: Alyssa Satterthwaite
• Email: Alyssa.Satterthwaite@ks.gov
• Phone: (785) 564-6713
• Fax: (785) 564-6777
• Mailing Address: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:

• On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed.
  • DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

• Inside your Job Application, upload the these documents:
  • Resume (or choose existing resume if you have one)
  • Cover Letter including level of experience and/or education.

Job Application Process

• Sign in to your existing account or Register for a new account.
• Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page.
• Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
• Complete and Submit your application.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
  • Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page.

See the helpful links below to assist in completing your application:

• Instructions:
  • Job Search
  • Registration & User Account
  • Application
  • Frequently Asked Questions

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.