About Rock River Laboratory

Rock River Laboratory is an agronomic testing laboratory providing soil and plant tissue analysis to growers, agronomists, and researchers, and is the manufacturer and distributor of the Solvita soil health test kit. We combine rigorous laboratory science with practical, field-ready tools that help our customers make better crop and soil management decisions.

Position Summary

The Agronomic Lab Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including soil and plant tissue testing, and the manufacturing and distribution of the Solvita soil health test kit. This role manages a team of 4–5 lab technicians, ensures accurate and timely test results, maintains quality control and safety standards, and supports continuous improvement of lab processes and kit production. The ideal candidate combines strong agronomic/soil science knowledge with proven laboratory management and team leadership experience.

Key Responsibilities

● Direct and oversee daily laboratory operations for soil and plant tissue testing, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and on-time turnaround of results.

● Oversee manufacturing, quality control, packaging, and distribution of the Solvita soil health test kit.

● Supervise, train, schedule, and mentor 4–5 lab technicians; conduct performance reviews and support professional development.

● Maintain and enforce laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures, including calibration, proficiency testing, and standard operating procedures.

● Ensure compliance with relevant laboratory safety, chemical handling, and regulatory standards.

● Manage laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration schedules, and vendor/service relationships.

● Monitor and manage inventory of lab supplies, reagents, and Solvita kit components; coordinate with purchasing to prevent shortages or overstock.

● Troubleshoot testing or production discrepancies and implement corrective actions.

● Collaborate with sales, customer service, and product teams to support customer needs and Solvita product distribution.

● Track and report key laboratory metrics (sample volume, turnaround time, quality indicators, kit production output) to leadership.

● Identify and implement process improvements to increase lab efficiency, accuracy, and capacity.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises 4–5 lab technicians, including work assignment, scheduling, training, and performance management.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.

● 3–5 years of experience working in an agronomic, soil, or agricultural testing laboratory.

● At least 1–2 years of experience supervising or managing laboratory staff.

● Strong working knowledge of soil and plant tissue testing methods and laboratory quality control practices.

● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume lab environment.

● Strong organizational, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.

● Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard office software.

Preferred Qualifications

● Bachelor's degree in a related agronomic or scientific discipline.

● Experience with product manufacturing, packaging, or quality control processes, particularly for test kits or similar agricultural products.

● Familiarity with the Solvita soil health testing system or comparable soil health assessment tools.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

● Primarily works in a laboratory setting; may occasionally involve exposure to laboratory chemicals and require use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

● Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift/move materials up to 25–50 lbs.

● Regular use of laboratory instruments, computers, and standard office equipment.

What We Offer

Rock River Laboratory offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Exact compensation and benefits details will be discussed during the interview process.

Rock River Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person