What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Manager position at Appalachian State University?

Position Summary Information

Classification Title	Research Operations Manager
Working Title	Lab Manager
Location	Boone, NC
Job Category	2
Position Number	087601
Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship	VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S
Department	Art - 265050
Primary Purpose of Position	The Lab Manager is responsible for the overall management, technical support and supervision of the print production center and associated retail operations for the Graphic Communications Management program and Department of Art. This role ensures the efficient day-to-day functioning of the facility while delivering high-quality print services and customer support to internal and external stakeholders. The position requires expertise in print production, retail operations, inventory and equipment management, financial oversight, and customer service excellence.
Minimum Qualifications	Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of general experience, preferably including supervision; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Familiarity with a variety of the field's concepts, practices and procedures. Demonstrated experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions	Operations Management Oversee all daily operations of the print center and retail facility, ensuring efficiency, organization, and high service standards. Plan and coordinate facility maintenance to ensure a safe, functional, and productive work environment. Print Production & Quality Control Manage print production workflows, ensuring all jobs meet established specifications, deadlines, and quality standards. Collaborate with faculty and clients to develop production plans and provide accurate cost estimates. Monitor and maintain quality assurance processes throughout all stages of production. Inventory & Procurement Track, manage, and maintain inventory for print materials, supplies, and retail merchandise. Procure materials and equipment using cost-effective and efficient purchasing practices. Anticipate supply needs and maintain appropriate stock levels. Equipment Oversight Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of all print lab equipment. Ensure proper use and longevity of equipment through preventative maintenance and training. Financial & Administrative Management Collaborate with the Art Department Chair and budget officer to monitor and track lab expenses. Support fiscal planning, budgeting, and administrative reporting for the print lab. Customer Service & Coordination Provide high-level customer service, including job consultation, estimating, and order coordination. Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external clients to ensure satisfaction. Staff Supervision & Development Recruit, train, schedule, mentor and supervise student employees. Evaluate student performance and provide mentorship to enhance skills and productivity. Establish an ethic of "Continuous Improvement" in the quality and productivity of students' work Training & Instruction Train faculty and students in the safe and effective use of print lab equipment and processes. Provide guidance and technical support for print-related projects. Collaboration & Continuous Improvement Work closely with Art Department faculty and leadership to ensure timely completion of high-quality projects. Collect and respond to feedback from faculty, staff and department chair to improve operations and services. Implement process improvements based on feedback and best practices. Safety & Compliance Develop, implement, and enforce lab safety procedures. Ensure all users are informed of and adhere to safety guidelines. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position	Possesses knowledge of various printing skills; print production operations including digital and offset printing, bindery, and finishing; high ability to coordinate tasks and problem solve; excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail organizational and budgetary skills; thorough understanding of retail management principles including inventory control, merchandising, and point-of-sale systems; strong budgetary and financial management skills superior communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage and motivate staff; ability to work with and manage others; ability to carry out repair needs and delivery of materials for various print lab areas;
Preferred Qualifications	Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of experience in print production, retail management, or related field, preferably including supervision; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Familiarity with printing operations, retail management concepts, practices and procedures. Demonstrated experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Experience in Graphic Design pre-press and output, Graphic Communications, or related field
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.	Staff Management Work requires knowledge of print production operations, retail management, inventory control, customer service, and fiscal management. The range of duties includes, but is not limited to: facility planning and maintenance, inventory management for both print materials and retail merchandise, purchasing and maintenance of print equipment, fiscal and administrative services, customer service coordination, staff scheduling and training, quality assurance for print production, and supervising student workers. Positions in this class provide comprehensive oversight of daily operations while ensuring high-quality service delivery to internal and external customers. Other duties as assigned. Planning & Organizing Work Within 48 hours of receipt of job materials (files, laser of project and purchase order) from student or faculty prepare job plan for production Secure materials (paper, ink, etc.) for each job Prepare and post the daily job production schedule Work with the students and faculty to insure that expectations for quality and timeliness are provided Managing both print production operations and retail store functions Supervising and training staff including student workers Budget development and financial oversight Equipment maintenance and quality control Inventory management for both print materials and retail merchandise Customer service and relationship management Knowledge - Technical Apply knowledge of customer relations, prepress, printing processes, and finishing in the field of printing and share this information, as needed, with faculty, staff and students. Work with faculty and students on safety procedures for the Print Lab. Make sure safety procedures are well publicized and fully supported.
Type of Position	Permanent Full-Time
Staff/Non-Faculty	Staff/Non-Faculty
Appointment Type	1
Work Schedule/Hours	8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each business day, excepting planned and approved vacation and university approved holidays On occasion there may be the necessity to work past 5:00 PM in order to meet customer scheduled delivery requirements
Number of Hours Per Week	40
Number of Months Per Year	12
Mandatory Staff	No
Physical Demands of Position	Position can be physically demanding requiring the ability to carry out repairs and delivery of various types of materials to the printing labs and classrooms; ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; and requires ability to visit other locations on campus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Overall Competency Level	Journey
Salary Grade Equivalency	GN12
Salary Range
Anticipated Hiring Range	$56,169-$58,169

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Posting Details Information

Posting Date	06/25/2026
Closing Date	07/30/2026
Competency Level Statement	Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please provide a cover letter that specifically addresses your print lab/print production experience, supervisory roles you have held, and training you have conducted. Please also speak to any retail or inventory management skills that you might have. Customer service is also a requirement of this position, please highlight any experience that you have this area. Include resume and a list of 3 professional references with contact information included
Search Chair Name	Amy Johnson
Search Chair Email	amyjohnson@appstate.edu
Applicant Pool Preference	External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link	https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54848
Posting Number	201502996P

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Salary : $56,169 - $58,169

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