Posted on 3/8/2013
JOB DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The California Wheat Commission (CWC) is seeking a new director for its milling and baking quality laboratory. The CWC was established in 1983, expressly to support research that improves California wheat quality and marketability and to develop and maintain domestic and international markets for California wheat.
The California Wheat Commission is unique among state wheat commissions in the country in that it is the only one with its own on-site milling and baking laboratory. The lab performs quality testing, chemical analysis of wheat and flour, physical dough testing and baking, and noodle production tests. The California crop is analyzed for its quality characteristics each year and the data generated is published in Wheat Crop Quality reports that are available to potential buyers in both domestic and international markets. The CWC also analyzes samples of advanced experimental wheat varieties being developed by private and public breeding programs. The lab also works with customers in the area of quality assurance, problem solving, quality control training, product development, and research.
TITLE: Lab Director
REPORTS TO:
CWC Executive Director. At-will position/serves at the pleasure of the CWC
BASED IN: CWC Office in Woodland, CA; some travel required
JOB PURPOSE: Hands-on management of all lab activities, including quality testing, crop quality reporting, research, and product development. Engage with wheat breeders, growers, millers, bakers, and pasta companies and provide information regarding the importance of wheat quality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Maintain high level of lab performance in key projects including annual crop quality testing and reporting and research support for UC wheat breeding program and other wheat quality programs
- Perform quality analysis and product development for commercial customers
- Promote lab services to new customers
- Expand outreach program to communicate wheat-related nutritional information
- Provide support to growers, millers and bakers interested in understanding wheat quality
- Manage lab staff (both full time and seasonal)
- Maintain equipment
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Staff management including hiring summer students
- Wheat quality and milling equipment operation and maintenance
- Grain quality, milling and baking testing procedures and techniques
- Budget development for operations and capital equipment
- Strong written and oral communications skills
- Computer skills including Excel and Powerpoint
- Pasta and Asian noodle testing a plus
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Masters Degree in Cereal Chemistry or related field
- Minimum five years experience in quality lab
- Management experience
- Presentation and/or teaching
- Project development and management
SALARY: This position offers a comprehensive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified and interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to info@californiawheat.org. Include names and contact information for four references.
Deadline to apply is April 1, 2013.
The CWC is fully committed to the goal of equal opportunity in employment for all employees and applicants regardless of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity expression, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
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