ISU Meat Lab Team Leader

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

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About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, meat science, food science or a related field
• Experience 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

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.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees