Lab Manager

at  SWAT MAPS

Croptimistic Technology is an international agriculture technology (agtech) company best known for our product SWAT MAPS. Our market leading technology, SWAT MAPS, is a turn-key variable rate process that produces high fidelity soil, water, and topography maps for zone management during variable rate application. Croptimistic is best known for SWAT MAPS, but this technology is more than a map. We are building the only all-in-one precision agronomy solution.
We are backed by a growing team of professionals who are empowering the modern farm with an ecosystem of technology, tools, and knowledge to optimize profitability and sustainability. Our vision is to be the global leader in premium precision agriculture services. We are guided by our core values to maintain a grassroots operation, act with integrity, pioneer innovation and serve our people.
The Lab Manager is responsible for all laboratory operations, providing leadership to its staff, and ensuring a high quality of service and accuracy in soil and plant tissue analyses. The first key objective in this role will be to operationalize the infrastructure and processes of an analytical laboratory. The purpose of the analytical laboratory will be to conduct soil and plant tissue analyses to support ongoing agronomic sampling operations in support of Croptimistic precision agronomy service and Croptimistic research and development projects.

REQUIREMENTS

• Skilled and knowledgeable in soil and plant tissue sample preparation and extraction methodologies
• Skilled in the use, operation, and maintenance of modern laboratory equipment and methods for plant and tissue samples (elemental and spectroscopic analyzers)
• Proficient at report writing, reviewing, and interpretation of results
• Strong attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills
• Safety-conscious
• Ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license

• Create, implement and manage lab standard processes to ensure consistent, reliable results
• Create, implement and manage the logistics, and organization of samples and data to ensure accurate and organized reporting
• Prepare soil and tissue samples and extractions analysis
• Conduct analysis of soil and tissue samples, and extractions, to provide accurate lab measurements of soil and plant tissue agronomic properties for agronomic decision making and R&D
• Interpret results of tests, keep detailed and organized records and data
• Monitor quality control checks to ensure they fall within acceptable thresholds
• Troubleshoot processes when data inconsistencies are recognized
• Adhere to laboratory standard turn-around times
• Thorough and accurate completion of lab test documentation and reports
• Calibrate lab equipment and conduct preventative maintenance to ensure optimal performance
• Troubleshoot repairs on lab equipment and coordinate assistance from manufacturer service technicians
• Communicate test results to internal staff and external clients
• Hire, train, and supervise laboratory technicians
• Supervise and provide guidance to laboratory technicians
• Perform routine laboratory procedures such as preparation, cleaning of labware and laboratory workspaces, monitor and maintain supply inventory as required
• Maintain a safe testing environment that is compliant with applicable regulations and fire safety codes
• Develop and adhere to protocols that are compliant with regulatory bodies
• Ensure compliance with legislation regarding proper waste disposal and importing soils and dangerous goods