ISU Meat Lab Team Leader
- Iowa State University
- Ames, IA
- 4mo ago
- Full-Time
- On-site
...
Position Title:
ISU Meat Lab Team LeaderJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in animal science, meat science, food science or a related fieldExperience 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
Job Description:
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 position plays a critical role in supporting teaching, research, Extension, and production activities within a USDA-inspected facility.
The role oversees and guides student employees; assists with undergraduate and graduate instruction, faculty-led research, and fee-for-service activities; and supports meat science Extension programming. The position is highly hands-on, with direct involvement in animal harvest, carcass fabrication, value-added meat processing and packaging, and close collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders in a dynamic, production-focused environment.
Key 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.
Why Join Us?
The Iowa State University Meat Laboratory is a premier facility dedicated to supporting teaching, research, and Extension activities. The lab includes dedicated areas for slaughter, fabrication, further processing, and packaging, all outfitted with cutting-edge technology. The facility enhances student learning, supports innovative research, and provides valuable services to the meat industry. Iowa State’s Meat Science Program is nationally renowned, and the Meat Laboratory is widely recognized as a leader in the field.
Why This Role is Right for You
If you’re seeking a change of pace from traditional industry roles, this position offers a rewarding alternative—one where you can be hands-on, part of a collaborative and highly respected team, and continue to grow your technical expertise, leadership skills, and professional network. Whether you see this role as a long-term home or a strategic stepping stone, it provides the opportunity to give back, grow forward, and truly make a difference.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
This position will be open until filled.
The candidate will be hired as a Program Specialist III.
Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students