Dairy Laboratory Administrator

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 30777
Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Division of Agricultural and Environmental Services
Location: Brookings, SD
Salary: $67,306.68 Annual Salary
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 04/07/2025

This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/.

Make a Difference:
The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve South Dakota's agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The successful applicant will be a member of the Livestock Services Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Livestock Services Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career.

What You Will Do:
As part of the Livestock Services Program, you will play an important role managing the State Dairy Laboratory by ensuring laboratory functions are implemented according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Laboratory Performance and Testing Protocol and that FDA accreditation is maintained to ensure uninterrupted interstate shipment of milk and milk products produced in the state. The position functions as the state Certified Laboratory Evaluation Officer (LEO) by evaluating and certifying dairy industry laboratories and analysts to ensure they function in compliance with FDA laboratory procedures. The position ensures the safety and quality of milk and milk products produced and sold in South Dakota by directing the operations of the State Dairy Laboratory to provide official analyses on milk, milk products, and water in compliance with applicable FDA and American Public Health guidelines; performing evaluations of dairy industry laboratories; and providing expertise in certification of laboratories, analysts, and laboratory practices to facilitate statewide compliance with federal and state regulations.

Benefits of Working for DANR:
The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.

South Dakota state government understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour week which leaves plenty of time to enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer.

We offer training and development opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. It is not just a job; it is an opportunity to build a career.

This position requires a valid driver's license, frequent daily travel, and occasional overnight travel. Work will occur in a laboratory setting and may occur in close proximity to live steam, flammable solutions, radioactive materials, carcinogenic compounds, and pathogens on a daily basis. Duties require routinely lifting as much as 75 pounds, climbing ladders on milk tanks and trucks, disassembling and inspecting dairy equipment, working around corrosive compounds at dairies, and driving in various weather conditions. Normal work hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, fieldwork and some lab work may result in additional hours.

This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/.

The position requires statewide travel approximately 20-25 percent of the time with occasional overnight stays. Travel may be during inclement weather. Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., five days per week. The position requires frequent contact with the general public and the regulated community.

Licenses and Certifications:
FDA Laboratory Evaluation Officer Certification or the ability to obtain certification preferred. A valid driver's license is required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Preference will be given for applicants that possess a bachelor's/master's degree in Dairy Manufacturing, Dairy Production, or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• federal and state laws and rules governing the operation of a dairy laboratory and application of those rules to the results of analyses;
• methodologies and science supporting procedures used in dairy industry laboratories;
• principles, policies, and practices of dairy laboratory management;
• equipment, materials, and chemicals used in a laboratory;
• dairy science, dairy manufacturing, and dairy processing, including computerized control systems;
• personnel and fiscal management;
• principles of statistical analysis.

Ability to:

• interpret federal and state laws and rules consistently for department managers and staff, the dairy industry, retailers, and the public;
• develop or implement defined, scientific protocols for testing and analysis that are legally defensible;
• inspect and evaluate laboratory facilities, staff, records, and reach objective analyses based on scientific facts;
• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• provide technical assistance to managers, staff, industry, and the public;
• use a computer.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1BA
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

#LI-Onsite