Supervisor, Lab

New Mexico State University • Las Cruces, NM

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant and Environmental Sciences Department at New Mexico State University is seeking a Supervisor, Laboratory to provide technical and operational support for laboratory, greenhouse, and field research activities across multiple funded research projects. The position oversees day-to-day research operations, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, greenhouse and irrigation systems, laboratory instrumentation, field activities, and research site coordination. This is a 3-year appointment.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of greenhouse and controlled environment and open field production
• Fertilizer chemistry and fertigation injector operation
• Integrated pest management and pesticide regulations
• Field plot research procedures
• Laboratory and chemical safety standards

Responsibilities

• Provides essential technical and operational support for research activities, including equipment maintenance, laboratory and field operations, supply management, and coordination of research-related activities across multiple funded projects.
• Performs preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair coordination for greenhouse environmental control systems, Dosatron fertigation injectors, irrigation systems, field sensor arrays, and laboratory analytical instrumentation. Ensures equipment is properly maintained and operational to support the continuity and quality of research activities.
• Schedules, trains, and directs the daily work of graduate and undergraduate student employees assigned to multiple funded research projects. Provides safety, equipment, and operational training; monitors compliance with established research protocols and safety procedures; reviews and verifies timesheets; and serves as the first-line point of contact for personnel, scheduling, and day-to-day operational issues.
• Manages procurement, receiving, storage, and inventory of fertilizers, growing media, plant protection products, laboratory reagents, and field consumables. Maintains adequate inventory levels and coordinates the timely acquisition and distribution of supplies necessary to support ongoing research activities.
• Implements and documents integrated pest management rotations, fertigation programs, and irrigation schedules. Coordinates plot preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvest activities across multiple research sites. Monitors crop and plant conditions, identifies potential issues, and takes or coordinates corrective action to minimize impacts to research trials.
• Maintains accurate and comprehensive pesticide application, chemical inventory, safety, equipment, and research-related records. Ensures documentation and operational practices comply with applicable University policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulatory requirements. Supports required reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance activities associated with laboratory, greenhouse, and field research operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree