The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position, in collaboration with the Laboratory Division Director, will develop and implement division policies, procedures, and controls. This position will provide technical direction to the Laboratory Services Division's chemical and biological programs and allocates the resources required to produce quality data. This position will provide administrative and technical direction within the laboratory to meet the department's data quality objectives for the regulatory oversight of agricultural products, industries, environmental and food safety, and security.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning, designing and directing the activities of the analytical and operational sections of the laboratory so that customer expectations and division goals are met. 
• Managing the units deliberate and responsible progress toward established grant deliverables.
• Collaborating in the planning, preparation, and administration of the laboratory’s budget.
• Directing, supervising, evaluating and advising unit supervisors.
• Planning, implementing and maintaining a lab-wide ISO 17025 compliant quality assurance and quality control system.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Five (5) years of analytical experience in a food, feed or environmental laboratory. NOTE:  A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or related sciences may substitute one (1) year of work experience.

Experience supervising professional level staff.

Strong leadership skills including the ability to make technical and budgetary decisions and consult with senior leadership positions.

Sound knowledge of analytical sciences as practiced in the Laboratory Services Division and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical personnel.  These areas of knowledge include the chemistry, microbiology, microscopy and pathology associated with the analysis of food, dairy, feed, fertilizer, plants, seeds and environmental samples.

The ability to effectively balance workloads and set priorities to satisfy the expectations of diverse and competing customers.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) or more years managing supervisory level staff.

Experience in a governmental food, feed or environmental laboratory.

Knowledge of, and experience in, the principles and practices of public administration, human relations, financial management, administrative management, project management, supervision and training.

Experience identifying, applying for, and managing federal grants and cooperative agreements.

Physical Requirements

This position exists in an analytical laboratory.  As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this type of environment are assumed to be present.  Hazards such as chemical exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards exist in this section.  This position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others.  This position must be able to function in this environment and must be comfortable wearing personal protective gear.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check.  It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency.  The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas.  All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US. 

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

How to Apply 

Go to State Program Admin Manager Senior - Job ID 81471 If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Bryanne Shaw at bryanne.shaw@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us.