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Are you a driven, collaborative professional with robust experience in laboratory operations with proven strategic leadership abilities? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) to oversee and improve the daily operations of our laboratory facilities. As a key member of our team, you will have the opportunity to lead and implement initiatives that optimize efficiency, quality, and compliance in our labs. If this sounds like the next step in your career, then don’t delay, apply today! 

Oregon Department of Agriculture – Who we are:

At ODA, employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in ODA’s core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more about what we do here!

The Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) is a full-time permanent position, located in Wilsonville, Oregon.

What you’ll be doing

• The Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) provides scientific, supervisory, and strategic leadership for the agency’s analytical laboratory program, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.

• You will oversee the activities of laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality testing and timely results.

• In this role you will maintain accreditation to ISO IEC 17025, serve as the agency representative member to Oregon’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and requirements.

• You will develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies and procedures. 

• You will lead, supervise, mentor, and recruit diverse, competent, innovative, and service-oriented staff to support the Oregon Department of Agriculture mission and strategic objectives.

Interested to learn more about this position?

Click here to view a full description of this position.

What are we looking for?

To Qualify for the Position, You Need:

Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience.

OR

Three years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field of science.

Desired Attributes for This Position:

Beyond the minimum qualifications listed above, we are also looking for the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. You do not need to have experience in every area listed, but the more you can demonstrate, the more competitive your application will be.  Please make sure your relevant experience is clearly reflected in your resume and cover letter. 

• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex laboratory operations and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy.

• Demonstrated leadership strengths with the ability to effectively guide scientific, technical, and administrative teams.

• Experience developing, validating, and implementing scientific methods and workflows.

• Demonstrated ability to understand technical laboratory workflows, complex scientific data, assays, and complex equipment.

• Expertise in managing laboratory budgets, capital equipment procurement, and vendor contracts.

• Demonstrated ability communicating as the primary liaison between scientific staff, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.

• Proven ability to cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: September 27, 2026

• 1st Round of Interviews: Week of October 12th, 2026

• 2nd Round of Interviews: TBD

• Anticipated Start Date: December 1, 2026

• *These dates are approximate and may change. *

How to apply:

Required: A cover letter & resume is required and is an important part of the application process. All application materials are reviewed by Human Resources, the Hiring Manager, and panel members throughout the recruitment process. Your cover letter & resume are key opportunities to speak directly to each decision-maker and highlight your skills and experience. Please address your cover letter to Lindsay Eng and describe how you meet the desired attributes above. Your cover letter must be no more than two pages.

Failure to attach the required documents and follow the directions above may result in the disqualification of your application. 

• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will auto populate after you submit your application and will complete the process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.

• If you are a veteran or Oregon National Guard service-member, you may receive preference. The task to upload your documents will be available after you submit your application. For privacy reasons, please do not attach your military service document(s) to your application or combine it with any other required document attachments.

• Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.

What’s in it for you

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additional Information:

• Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered.  The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.  On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.

• Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity. Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate’s professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary range. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.

NOTE: Please ensure you’ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment.  For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.

• United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help?

Should you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email: [email protected] or call 503-986-4584.