Pilot Plant Manager

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.

• 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

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

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

Experience operating pilot plant or commercial-scale food processing equipment

Experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical equipment

Experience cleaning/sanitizing equipment and facilities

Experience working with outside companies on a fee for service basis

Bachelor's degree preferred

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.

Hong Zhang

hong.zhang@wisc.edu

Work Phone: (608) 265-4473

Fax: (608) 262-6716

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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