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Food Laboratory Manager information

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$149K

How much do food laboratory manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for food laboratory manager in the United States is $91,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Food Laboratory Manager do?

A Food Laboratory Manager oversees the daily operations of a food testing laboratory, ensuring that all food products are tested for safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. They supervise laboratory staff, manage testing protocols, maintain equipment, and interpret test results. Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring that the lab meets industry standards and may also interact with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance. Their role is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining public health.

What is the difference between Food Laboratory Manager vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectFood Laboratory ManagerFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or related field; management experienceAssociate or bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, overseeing testing processes, managing staffProduction facilities, conducting quality checks, sampling, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, research labs, quality control departmentsFood production plants, quality assurance departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in food labsDetails about quality testing and assurance roles

The Food Laboratory Manager oversees laboratory operations, manages staff, and ensures testing accuracy, while the Food Quality Assurance Technician focuses on conducting quality checks and sampling during production. Both roles require food science knowledge, but the manager has more leadership responsibilities, whereas the technician is more hands-on in testing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Laboratory Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Laboratory Manager, you need expertise in food science, laboratory management, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), HACCP protocols, and relevant certifications such as ISO 17025 are commonly required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for overseeing teams and ensuring regulatory compliance. These competencies are crucial for maintaining food safety standards, accurate testing, and efficient lab operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Laboratory Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Food Laboratory Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict compliance with food safety regulations, ensuring accurate and timely testing, and managing a diverse team of laboratory staff. To address these challenges, it's important to implement robust quality control systems, provide ongoing training for staff on regulatory updates, and foster clear communication within the team. Staying organized and proactive can help managers meet deadlines and support a collaborative work environment.
What cities are hiring for Food Laboratory Manager jobs? Cities with the most Food Laboratory Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Laboratory Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,960 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist

Terrestris LLC

Bothell, WA • On-site

$21.05 - $26.14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Are you looking for a Challenge? Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! We are seeking a Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Regulatory Testing and Surveillance (ORTS) at one of eight Human and Animal Food Laboratory locations across the United States. This position plays a key role in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of analytical laboratory records by managing document scanning, electronic submission, records archiving, and administrative support under FDA's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
I've never heard of Terrestris. What do you do?
At Terrestris, we leverage technology to create better mission outcomes through better human performance. We form strong client and team relationships through transparency and strive to create an environment where our team can let their excellence shine through. By finding, developing, and incorporating new ideas, we provide memorable services. Rooted in the USMC values of honor, courage, and commitment, Terrestris seeks to deliver extraordinary value to the American people by helping the Government become more efficient and effective.
So, what will the Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist at Terrestris do?
The Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist will provide on-site administrative support services including scanning and electronic submission of analytical worksheets, laboratory records management and archiving, records destruction, and general administrative support - all in support of the FDA's initiative to modernize laboratory document management through its Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
What does a typical day look like for the Laboratory Records & Administrative Specialist?
You will:
  • Prepare, scan, and convert analytical worksheet packages into OCR-enabled PDF format, ensuring all pages are present, properly ordered, and optimized to meet FDA's file size requirements (≤85 MB).
  • Log into LIMS to upload completed worksheet packages and send email notifications to the corresponding compliance teams.
  • Organize and maintain electronic repositories of scanned documents, creating backup copies and performing routine cleanup and compression of electronic files.
  • Archive and organize hard copies of worksheet packages - boxing, labeling, barcoding, and indexing records in accordance with FDA's records retention schedule.
  • Retrieve archived hard copy and electronic records upon request by FDA officers.
  • Coordinate and witness onsite records destruction (shredding) in accordance with FDA's retention schedule, maintaining a destruction log.
  • Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings via Microsoft Outlook, recording meeting minutes and action items, and preparing travel estimates.
  • Support laboratory operations using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), SharePoint, Visio, and Project.
  • Assist with equipment and chemical inventory, data entry into laboratory systems, mail handling, and supply logistics.
  • Complete all mandatory FDA training, including annual Computer Security Awareness, LIMS, QMiS, Privacy and Records Management, and driver training as required.

What qualifications do you look for?
You might be the professional we're looking for if you have:
  • Authorization to work in the U.S. permanently, without sponsorship.
  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent; associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
  • At least 2 years of experience in administrative support, document management, records management, or a closely related clerical role.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
  • Experience with document scanning, PDF conversion (Adobe Acrobat or equivalent), and electronic file management.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FDA background investigation and security access card (fingerprint return must be "favorable").
  • Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to approximately 15 lbs. on a routine basis.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain high accuracy (99%+) in data entry, document indexing, and records tracking.
  • Ability to work independently and in a structured, compliance-driven environment with minimal supervision.
  • Experience with federal laboratory or regulated environment recordkeeping is a plus.
  • Familiarity with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar database is a plus.

Where will this position be located?
Positions are available at the following FDA Human and Animal Food Laboratory locations. Please indicate your location preference when applying:
  • Jefferson, Arkansas (Arkansas Human and Animal Food Laboratory - ARHAFL)
  • Lakewood, Colorado (Denver Human and Animal Food Laboratory - DENHAFL)
  • Lenexa, Kansas (Kansas City Human and Animal Food Laboratory - KCHAFL)
  • Jamaica, New York (New York Human and Animal Food Laboratory - NYHAFL)
  • Bothell, Washington (Seattle Human and Animal Food Laboratory - SEAHAFL)
  • Irvine, California (Irvine Human and Animal Food Laboratory - IRVHAFL)
  • Alameda, California (San Francisco Human and Animal Food Laboratory - SANHAFL)
  • Atlanta, Georgia (Atlanta Human and Animal Food Laboratory - ATLHAFL)

What are the working hours?
This is a full-time, on-site position. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM local time. Contractor services are not required on Federal holidays or when the laboratory is officially closed. Limited episodic telework may be authorized for database entry tasks during inclement weather using government-furnished equipment.
What kind of benefits does Terrestris Offer?
We offer outstanding benefits, including health, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.
Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
DILBERT © 2018 Scott Adams. Used By permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.

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