Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager

Job Location: Jefferson City, MO

Why you'll love this position:

The Missouri Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division has a full-time, benefited position in the Bureau of Feed & Seed located in Jefferson City, Missouri.


The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Plant Industries Division, Feed and Seed Program assists the state's feed industry and consumers through inspecting and testing animal feed and food products. The Feed Control Laboratory maintains ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. This professional administrative position in the Feed Control Laboratory is responsible for quality assurance, quality control, and documentation activities for the laboratory. This position will maintain a detailed quality assurance plan, document control system, and regulatory compliance as part of the laboratory accreditation process.

The salary indicated represents the current regular pay rate for this position. If the individual selected is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., Years of Service), it will be added to total compensation on their paycheck. A pay differential does not raise base pay.

• Direct and maintain the overall planning, coordination, and administration of the laboratory quality management system and ensure that it complies with ISO/IEC 17025 International Standard. Set goals for improvement to the system.
• Provide interpretation of the ISO/IEC International Standard to laboratory personnel.
• Schedule and conduct audits of the laboratory quality management system and test method procedures.
• Write, review, and approve standardized quality policies and procedures.
• Assist in implementation of new testing procedures and ensure all criteria are met during method verification/validation.
• Ensure that all laboratory personnel have demonstrated their ability to perform the analysis to which they are assigned.
• Assist in the selection and training of laboratory staff.
• Make appropriate recommendations for corrective actions as well as continual improvements.
• Monitor quality control activities to determine conformance with policy and procedures.
• Maintain the document control system through tracking, revisions, and distribution.
• Evaluate data quality and maintain records, control charts, calibration records, and other relevant performance information.
• Direct or assist administrative personnel in policy development, program planning, and coordination.
• Ensure all data reported by the laboratory meets the required quality assurance and regulatory criteria.
• Work with advisory groups to maintain and improve the quality of laboratory services.
• Participate in conferences, training sessions, and meetings.
• Support audits performed by external entities by providing records and documents for review.
• Travel up to 5% of the time including overnight stays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six (6) or more years prior experience working in a laboratory environment. Post-secondary degree with emphasis in Agriculture, Animal Science and/or Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or closely related fields will count toward experience.
• Valid MO Driver's License
• Prior experience working ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or similar quality management systems is strongly preferred.
• Prior training and experience performing internal audits is strongly preferred.
• Training and/or experience with document control is strongly preferred.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Excel, Word, and other software applications in the performance of duties.
• Ability to work independently, identify tasks, standardize procedures, and provide feedback to the laboratory.
• Ability to travel to meetings and trainings requiring overnight stays.
• Ability to develop an AOAC Testing method verification plan, coordinate with laboratory staff to perform verification, and write final summary.
• Ability to prioritize work based on the laboratory's strategic goals.
• Ability to represent the laboratory at national organization meetings.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Benefits :

• 3 weeks paid vacation AND 3 weeks paid sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Insurance: health (medical, dental, vision) and free life insurance
• Retirement: including an employer match on savings plan
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave for birth or adoption
• And several additional resources including the SELF program (formerly EAP), discount websites, and healthy living incentives!

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Notice to Applicants: The Missouri Department Agriculture is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

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