Laboratory Manager

Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (PEI) is a public traded company headquartered in Sacramento, CA. PEI markets ethanol to major and independent oil companies from either third party sources in the Midwest or from one of the plants it is building in the West. The company also markets the feed co-products through it Ag Products division to livestock feeding customers in locations where it has production facilities. The production facilities are strategically located to process corn to make ethanol, and feed products, taking advantage of unparalleled efficiencies in energy uses, waste reduction, water use and transportation costs.

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for managing the laboratory department at our plant in Burley, Idaho, researching testing, and developing ethanol production processes to optimize ethanol production.

Responsibilities:

• Manages and supervises laboratory technicians; provides direction on projects and tasks, evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; provides training, and motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; 
• Supervises day-to-day laboratory activities; routinely inspects the laboratory equipment and reports problems or concerns; 
• Tests chemical samples to determine their make-up and properties and advises on alternative ethanol production methods; 
• Ensures that all laboratory equipment is properly calibrated and test results are accurate;
• Researches new chemical and biochemical processes; documents research findings and provides quarterly analysis of possible chemical applications/alternatives; 
• Periodically tests incoming raw materials for adherence to specifications;
• Ensures that all products adhere to specifications and are in compliance with established quality criteria;
• Identifies opportunities to improve ethanol production through testing and experimenting; prepares equipment, products and material for experiments and surveys; records findings; 
• Manages supplies, tracks inventory, and orders laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure adequate supplies are available; 
• Ensures compliance with state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations, and adherence to quality assurance programs and safety standards; 
• Coordinates with laboratory technicians and other plant department managers to optimize plant operations so that facility goals are maximized within the parameters of company standards; 
• Participates in the development, and the administration of annual operating plans and fiscal budgets; 
• Develops, implements, and enforces safety programs to promote a safe cautious environment and to minimize safety hazards/injuries; 
• Communicates regularly with the Plant Manager to keep him/her informed of chemical research, testing results, and off spec products;
• Keeps up with new laboratory products that maximize testing results; sets up purchase orders with vendors; 
• Attends and participates in management meetings, professional work related meetings/ conferences to enhance professional development;
• Directly supervises laboratory technicians;
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws;
• Assists with interviewing, hiring, and training plant employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors of Science or equivalent: preferably in bio-chemistry or related field; 
• 3 to 4 year's lab or chemistry experience; 
• Experience supervising/managing employees;
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell;
• Must be able to work in cold or hot temperatures; inside or outside; around dust, and/or moderate to loud noises; in dark or limited lighted area;
• Able to lift, pull, carry, pick-up, grasping, lift and maneuver average to heavy objects weighing up to 25 pounds;
• Able to climb stairs and ladders; walk on paved and unpaved surfaces; operate hand and power tools; perform physical labor; sit at a desk and operate computer and keyboard; visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear, speak and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; lift horizontally and vertically, bend, stoop, stand, and reach, kneel, crouch and crawl;
• Education: Bachelors Degree

Compensation:  $50 - $75K annual 

To Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to respond immediately. Please submit resume via email. No phone calls please.