"Pilot Plant Manager"

Job Details

Salary: Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Laboratory Manager

Job Duties: The Pilot Plant Manager will be responsible for assisting instructors with equipment operation and technical support during industry short courses as well as assisting with undergraduate research programs. They will instruct course participants on equipment usage. They will also set up and tear down labs, clean and sanitize equipment, wash down the pilot plants, and generally keep them in good operating condition. The Pilot Plant Manager will oversee the lab’s schedule and manage ingredient supply levels, placing orders as needed. They will coordinate the maintenance of pilot plant equipment and diagnose and troubleshoot equipment issues. The Pilot Plant Manager will also work with outside organizations/companies on a fee basis to generate funds for pilot plant upkeep, maintenance, and improvement.

The ideal candidate will be detail oriented and have the ability to solve problems and take initiative. They will be safety focused and possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask. They will receive on the job training in equipment operation, but must have mechanical experience and aptitude. Equipment used in this position includes, but is not limited to still retort, various types of dryers, batch cooking kettles, and steam injection cooking. Candidates must be able to lift bags of ingredients weighing up to 50 pounds.

A criminal background check may be required, and a 12-month evaluation/probationary period will be required.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Monitors program budgets and expenditures
• Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing information, making recommendations to leadership, and representing the interests of the unit
• May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
• Maintain, repair, and acquire pilot plant equipment as needed
• Coordinate, conduct and teach labs for industry short courses that use the pilot plant. Work with instructors to ensure safe and appropriate operation of equipment. Responsible for set-up and clean-up of the lab.
• Independently solicit and conduct projects for industry to generate operating funds. Utilizing the pilot plants, work with industry contacts to conduct and analyze the research and interpret and analyze the results.
• Directs and supervises the day-to-day laboratory operations, quality control programs, and/or staff of a work unit to ensure compliance with organization and regulatory agency standards
• Develops and facilitates trainings regarding scientific experimentation, technical procedures, and equipment operations to various audiences
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures in alignment with strategic initiatives and objectives

Department: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Food Sciences, Babcock Hall Pilot Plant

Compensation: The minimum salary for this position is $65,500. However, actual salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf

Required Qualifications: Experience operating pilot plant or commercial-scale food processing equipment. Experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical equipment.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience cleaning/sanitizing equipment and facilities. Experience working with outside companies on a fee for service basis.

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.

How to Apply: Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials: Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background. Cover letter (required) - Refer to your related work experience. It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the qualifications identified. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contact Information: Hong Zhang, hong.zhang@wisc.edu, Work Phone: (608) 265-4473, Fax: (608) 262-6716.

Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.