Extrusion Lab Operations Technician

This position supports the maintenance and equipment care of the Extrusion Lab, ensuring all operations meet safety and compliance standards. Key responsibilities include monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing lab equipment, tracking inventory...

  • 520564
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Grain Science & Industry
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing on: Oct 31 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

This position will help oversee maintenance and equipment care at the Extrusion Lab and ensure safety and compliance.

Operations and maintenance: 
• Conduct maintenance on lab equipment to minimize downtime,
• Assist in operating equipment for research work with clients, both external and internal, lab research trials, and teaching activities to provide excellent customer service and complete project goals; assist with short courses when needed.
• Develop consistent guidelines for parts replacement and repairs, contributing to the extrusion lab reliability and efficiency.
• Maintain detailed maintenance records
• Guide undergraduate students to promote lab operations
• Ensure lab and equipment cleaning programs are completed properly and efficiently to ensure sanitation requirements
• Support and continuously improve a proactive Preventive Maintenance Program, working closely with the extrusion lab manager to meet operational goals.

Safety & Compliance: 
• Actively promote and manage safety programs with lab personnel ensuring tools, equipment, and facilities are kept clean and in safe working order.
• Acquire and maintain required certifications that may be required to support a safe working environment.
• Comply with environmental and safety regulations as set by Kansas State University.

About Us

The Department of Grain Science and Industry offers one-of-a-kind bachelor's degrees in Bakery Science and Management, Feed and Pet Food Science, Milling Science and Management, Food Science and Industry and an internationally recognized graduate program. Our graduates have the most rewarding and diverse career opportunities in the field, including research and new product innovations, operations managers, sales and marketing, quality assurance, among others.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a high school diploma and five years of relevant experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
    Skills: Proficiency in troubleshooting, repairing, and assembling mechanical equipment; excellent teamwork and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Role Information:

  • Physical & Environmental Requirements:
    • Vision abilities include close and distance vision with focus adjustment.
    • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs as needed.
    • Frequent standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and communicating.
    • Must be able to tolerate exposure to grain dust, chemical and product odors, and noisy conditions.
    • Comfort working with a variety of chemicals and feed ingredients in an agricultural setting.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Contact information for 3 current professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:October 31, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$24.04/hr

 

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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