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

Initial Posting Date:

07/24/2026

Application Deadline:

08/09/2026

Agency:

Department of Agriculture

Salary Range:

$7,537 - $11,657

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

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

Job Description:

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with experience in laboratory operations? 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 in our Wilsonville lab.

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, this position is in Wilsonville, Oregon.

What you’ll be doing

• The Laboratory Program Manager (Science, Chemistry, and Laboratory Manager 2) will oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Supervising and coordinating the activities of laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality testing and timely results.

• Ensuring all laboratory procedures comply with regulatory standards and safety guidelines.

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory policies and procedures.

• Managing laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and maintaining equipment.

• Conducting regular performance evaluations and providing ongoing training and development for laboratory staff.

• Analyzing laboratory data and metrics to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Maintaining accurate documentation and records for all laboratory activities.

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 a Biology, Chemistry or closely related field of science

Desired Attributes for This Position:

Beyond the minimum qualifications listed above we’re also looking for the following knowledge, skills, and abilities in applicants. You do not need to have all qualities listed below to qualify. Please ensure the skills you do have are listed in your application and resume.

• 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.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: August 9, 2026

• 1st Round of Interviews: August 13 – 14, 2026

• 2nd Round of Interviews: August 20 – 21, 2026

• Anticipated Start Date: September 8, 2026

• *These dates are approximate and may change. *

** We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the requested skills. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

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. In your cover letter, please describe how you meet some of the desired attributes above. Your cover letter must be no more than two pages. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume 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 come after you submit 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 servicemember, 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 leave 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. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the desired attributes. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

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?

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