Meat Lab Lead

Meat Lab Lead

Meat Lab Lead (Instructional Support Technician III)

The anticipated salary hiring range is $5,044 - $5,248 per month (Steps 1 –
3), commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range for this classification is $5,044 - $7,348 per month.

This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position. The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program.

The Fresno State University Agricultural Laboratory (UAL) – Agricultural Operations is a vital part of the practical on-farm educational programs of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. Agricultural Operations continually supports the various courses of study offered by the seven academic departments comprising the Jordan College of Agriculture. Students play a major role in our 1,000 acre on-campus farm operations which produce products for our 18 enterprises ranging from animal production, food, meat and dairy processing, vineyards, orchards, horticulture, and field/vegetable crop units.

The goal of the UAL is to provide hands-on, relevant training in the entire "farm-to-fork" process including fundamental business principles relevant to each discipline. This position, specific to the Animal Science Meat Laboratory, is integral to the mission of the UAL – Ag Operations and the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Under the general supervision of the Farm Operations Manager (and close oversight and guidance of the Meat Lab Enterprise Manager/Faculty), this individual will conduct and oversee all phases of day-to-day operations relevant to a complete USDA-FSIS inspected slaughter and processing facility. The duties of this individual will include live animal handling through to all processing, handling, and packaging of meat products to point of sale at the CSUF Fresno Gibson Market and other venues.

Duties will include
1) providing support in all educational and commercial activities,
2) animal evaluations,
3) kill floor duties and carcass handling,
4) meat processing and packaging,
5) inventory and purchasing tracking,
6) lead work oversight of student employee,
7) meat related research, and
8) USDA-FSIS regulatory compliance with food safety and HACCP.

The CSU Fresno Meat Laboratory is approximately 8,000 square feet and is composed of a slaughter floor, carcass handling and processing for fresh, frozen, or prepared meats. The slaughter floor accommodates handling beef, swine, sheep, and goats. Future processing areas will include ready-to-eat products, packaging, and sales.

• Knowledge of:

  • Procedures and practices relating to the slaughter and processing of meat products.
  • Procedures and practices related to ordering, inventory, and distribution of products.
  • Materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to prepare and package meat products.
  • Safety related training, principles, practices, and precautions associated with equipment and working conditions.
  • Computers, skills in use of word processing, presentation, and data management software.

• Skill/Ability to:

  • Analyze operational and procedural problems and develop, recommend, and evaluate proposed solutions.
  • Identify, assist in selection of appropriate staff/student labor force.
  • Train, to plan, to direct and monitor the work of others.
  • Physically able to move, manipulate and cut large carcasses and various cuts.
  • Interpersonal, and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate - following a schedule.
  • Make equipment repairs and organizational adjustments independently.
  • Maintain records and calculate project needs to meet deadlines.
  • Effectively handle interpersonal interactions at all levels and handle highly sensitive interpersonal situations, using negotiation and persuasion skills to…