Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2)

Initial posting date: 07/24/2026 • Application deadline: 08/09/2026 • Agency: Department of Agriculture • Location: Wilsonville, Oregon • Full-time permanent position

About the role

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is seeking a Laboratory Program Manager to oversee and improve the daily operations of our laboratory facilities. 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 through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in ODA’s core values.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality testing and timely results.
• Ensure all laboratory procedures comply with regulatory standards and safety guidelines.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory policies and procedures.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and maintaining equipment.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing training and development for laboratory staff.
• Analyze laboratory data and metrics to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for all laboratory activities.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide scientific, technical, and administrative staff.
• Proven ability to oversee complex laboratory operations and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Thorough understanding of accreditation principles and quality systems, with the ability to maintain compliance.
• Skill in developing, validating, and implementing scientific methods and workflows.
• Capacity to interpret complex scientific data and resolve technical challenges effectively.
• High level of organization, including strong documentation, planning, and prioritization abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for coordinating across programs, agencies, and scientific disciplines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships and represent laboratory needs with internal and external partners.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to plan for long-term laboratory capability, resources, and program growth.
• Comfort overseeing budgets, equipment planning, operational expenditures, and resource allocation.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace.

Pay

Salary range: $7,537 – $11,657 per month.

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will determine the specific pay step based on relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in application materials. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.

Benefits

• Competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Paid holidays, personal business leave, and accrued vacation and sick leave.
• Optional benefits such as basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.

Schedule

Anticipated start date: September 8, 2026.

Projected recruitment timeline:

• Recruitment closes: August 9, 2026
• 1st round of interviews: August 13 – 14, 2026
• 2nd round of interviews: August 20 – 21, 2026