NRRI-Coleraine Operating Lab Supervisor

The Operating Labs Supervisor provides leadership and operational oversight for multidisciplinary research laboratories at the NRRI Coleraine site. This role supervises a team of ten or more research technicians supporting minerals processing, metallurgy, and materials and bioeconomy programs, with occasional support to applied ecology and data collection activities.

The position partners closely with researchers to plan and execute projects, allocate resources, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. Responsibilities include technician supervision and development; coordination of laboratory operations, facilities, vendors, and fleet assets; oversight of equipment inventory and lifecycle management; and leadership of site-wide safety, health, and environmental programs.

This role is critical to maintaining safe, efficient, and well-coordinated laboratory operations and fostering a strong culture of safety, inclusion, and accountability

RESPONSIBILITIES:

(60%) Team Leadership, Workforce Development, and Resource Allocation
* Leads, assigns, and prioritizes work for a team of 10 or more research technicians supporting Minerals Processing, Metallurgy, and Materials and Bioeconomy laboratories at the NRRI Coleraine site.
* Partners with researchers to plan, scope, budget, schedule, and execute projects, ensuring effective use of internal and external resources.
* Develops staffing plans and schedules that align technical skill requirements with project demand, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
* Monitors team performance and workload, provides coaching and feedback, and ensures training opportunities and skill development.
* When project demand allows, assign strategic work to improve laboratory readiness, including housekeeping, work instructions, equipment operation, ergonomics, and overall operational efficiency.
* Leads recruitment for research technicians, including job description development, search committee coordination, interview facilitation, and hiring recommendations.
* Designs and implements onboarding, orientation, and ongoing training programs across operational research laboratories.
* Evaluates staffing needs and contributes to short- and long-term workforce and succession planning.
* Promotes a culture of safety, inclusion, accountability, coaching, and shared responsibility.

(20%) Safety, Health, Environmental, and Emergency Preparedness
* Partners with the NRRI Coleraine Safety Officer and University Health, Safety, and Environmental staff to plan, implement, and continuously improve site-wide safety, health, and environmental programs.
* Leads and supports safety training, including contributions to annual Safety Day activities, and reinforces adherence to safe work practices.
* Oversees environmental compliance activities such as stormwater monitoring, tailings pond oversight, air monitoring, and coordination of asbestos, lead paint, and mercury mitigation.
* Develops, maintains, and executes daily shutdown procedures and emergency shutdown and evacuation plans.

(20%) Site Maintenance and Asset Management
* Manages contracts and serves as primary point of contact for vendors providing snow removal, grounds and lawn maintenance, janitorial services, building maintenance, and vehicle or mobile equipment maintenance.
* Coordinates with University Fleet Services to ensure availability, maintenance, licensing, and compliance of vehicles and mobile equipment.
* Oversees day-to-day facilities and grounds operations in coordination with University Facilities Management.
* Serves as liaison with local government agencies, Fire Department, Law Enforcement, Public Works, and gas and electrical utilities to address safety, security, and utility-related matters.
* Maintains comprehensive inventory records for equipment and assets at the NRRI Coleraine site.
* Provides technical input into the specification, sourcing, and acquisition of new equipment.
* Oversees lifecycle management, including tracking, maintenance coordination, decommissioning, and disposal of obsolete assets in accordance with University and environmental policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* BA/BS with at least nine years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least three years of relevant experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years.
* Demonstrated experience working in environments with strong safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
* Experience managing and allocating resources to teams working across multiple projects, facilities, or operational areas.
* Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Experience supporting research laboratories, pilot-scale facilities, or applied industrial operations.
* Familiarity with minerals processing, metallurgy, materials processing, or bioeconomy-related operations.
* Experience with vendor management, facilities coordination, or fleet and equipment oversight.
* Experience developing or delivering technical and safety training.
* Experience working within a university, government, or research institute environment.
* Proficiency working with Microsoft Office (Work and Excel) and Google Workspace applications (Docs, Sheets, Drive, and related collaboration tools).
* Demonstrated ability to apply technical knowledge and professional judgment to recurring and complex work activities, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, and timely execution.
* Familiarity with succession planning, forecasting, change management, training and conflict management.
* Experience developing staffing plans and schedules that align technical skill requirements with project demand, safety, environmental, and quality standards.

ABOUT NRRI:
The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment, and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.
With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water, and mineral resources:

1. Applied Ecology and Resource Management
2. Minerals and Metallurgy
3. Materials and Bioeconomy
4. Data Collection and Delivery
5. Commercialization Services

Pay Range: : $72,425.60 to $93,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Applicants are required to complete the online application for the position and must attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).