Meat Production Specialist - Department of Animal Sciences

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Job Summary:

Support meat science research, teaching, and outreach. Work closely with faculty and other staff to manage operations and uphold regulatory compliance at the Meat Science Lab in Urbana, IL.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sales Operations

* Assist in leading the sales room operations of the Meat Science Laboratory

Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for retail and wholesale operations

Coordinate with other staff to determine and maintain needed inventory of products for wholesale and retail sales

Oversee the retail sales room operations including pricing, customer service, hours of operation, staffing, and advertising

* Order and procure supplies as needed for retail and wholesale operations

* Create and distribute sales information including weekly communication with customers on products, sales, and hours of operation

* Perform all duties related to the online sales platform, including keeping inventory up to date, organization of products as needed

* Oversee pricing of products, ensure alignment between online and in-person sales, and track and analyze sales information to guide operational decisions

* Provide day-to-day supervision of personnel working in the facility

Recruit and retain staff to ensure efficient operations and a well-trained workforce

Develop and implement employee on-boarding and ongoing training programs

Slaughter and Fabrication Operations

* Assist in coordinating slaughter and production schedule for the Meat Science Laboratory including

Arrange and interface with USDA inspection service to ensure coverage and maintain compliance

Procurement of animals, ingredients, supplies, and resources as needed

Interaction with other farm units to obtain animals and plan for future needs

* Assist in leading operations including the slaughter of animals, fabrication of carcasses, production, and further processed products

Set up and inspect the facility for various operations

Develop and implement Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs)

Assist with maintaining inventory of supplies, packaging, and ingredients needed for slaughter, fabrication, and further processing

* Assist with further processing of meat products, carcass fabrication, and slaughter

Teaching, Outreach, and Research

*Conduct informal teaching and training programs in meat production and marketing

Provide informal training for student employees in meat production, retail operations, and marketing

Guide and mentor students completing internships with the Meat Science Lab in meat production and marketing

*Establish and reinforce consistent practices to support high-quality research results

Develop and train personnel on Standard Operating Procedures to enforce consistent methodology associated with the unit

Provide ongoing training of research personnel in meat production techniques and retail meat merchandising

*Coordinate facility usage and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate students, and others at the Meat Science Lab

Coordinate teaching laboratory sections at the unit

Interact with meats and other evaluation coaches to schedule practices, contests, and other activities to support evaluation teams

*When appropriate, engage in classroom demonstrations to enhance the teaching program of the department and college

Regulatory and Facility Oversight

*Assist in maintaining fiscal responsibility at the facility including management of facility expenses, development of budgets and reports, recovery of teaching and research costs, and maintenance of accounting records for budgetary and compliance purposes

Maintain current and develop new avenues for retail and wholesale of meat products

Hire and supervise needed staff to maintain operations and optimize staff costs

*Ensure regulatory compliance with Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and other regulatory groups

Collect and submit food safety monitoring samples

Maintain and file of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) records, SSOPs, and other regulatory documents to fulfill FSIS requirements

Provide training on and reinforcement of sanitary operations including the use of PPE, hand-washing, traffic patterns, safe food handling, and facility and equipment sanitation

Serve as the main point of contact for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) inspections and various safety inspections

*Assist with coordinating equipment and facility management

Schedule and perform regular and preventative maintenance

Coordinate submission of work orders and liaise with Facilities and Services for repairs

Conduct regular inventory and replenish consumables and supplies

*Promote and maintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety

Attend departmental operational, safety, and development meetings

Establish and maintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance

Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts

Provide training on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out, tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety

Other Duties as Assigned

* Perform other duties to support the unit, department and college

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Detail oriented, organized and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously.

* Ability to work compatibly with other employees and students.

* Ability to communicate well with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors.

* Practical knowledge of beef, pork and lamb carcass and fabrication techniques.

* Ability and proficiency in humane slaughter techniques.

* Knowledge of production agriculture.

* Ability to follow standardized protocols and maintain attention to detail.

* Commitment to animal welfare, food safety, and workplace safety.

* Computer proficiency including record keeping and inventory management.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

* Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

* When working, position may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors including, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground.

* Position involves independent travel and performing work at different locations.