Business Operations Specialist– Agronomy Laboratory

Company: Next Level Ag
Location: Alpena, South Dakota

About Next Level Ag

Next Level Ag is a high-performance agronomy laboratory specializing in soil, plant tissue, water, and manure analysis. We are committed to precision, accountability, and continuous improvement in agricultural testing. Our team operates with urgency, ownership, and a drive to raise the standard in the industry.

Position Overview

Next Level Ag is seeking a Business Operations Specialist to provide hands-on support and coordination across daily business operations within our laboratory. This role will assist in building and maintaining operational systems, supporting compliance processes, contributing to employee (HR) functions, and ensuring consistent day-to-day operations.

The Business Operations Specialist will work closely with the Lab Director to strengthen organizational structure, improve operational efficiency, and support team accountability. This position also plays a key role in coordinating employee processes (scheduling, onboarding, and performance tracking) and assisting with basic accounting functions, including QuickBooks and financial recordkeeping.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys creating systems, maintaining accountability, and supporting a high-performing team in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Manage employee scheduling, PTO tracking, and payroll coordination

• Coordinate hiring logistics, intern scheduling, and onboarding processes

• Maintain employee documentation and HR-related records

• Serve as the primary administrative contact for incoming communications

• Coordinate facility operations and preventive maintenance scheduling

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Manage documentation and submission deadlines for NRCS, USDA, ALP, and NAPT requirements

• Maintain audit-ready compliance records

• Track certifications, training documentation, and regulatory requirements

• Ensure operational processes align with regulatory standards

Performance & Accountability

• Support structured employee performance review systems with the Lab Director

• Track attendance, timeliness, and accountability metrics

• Provide leadership-level feedback regarding performance trends

• Assist in developing performance-based compensation and bonus structures

• Help reinforce a culture of consistency, professionalism, and ownership

Lab Operations Coordination

• Coordinate workflow between sample preparation, analysis, and reporting teams

• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Oversee inventory systems to prevent supply shortages

• Coordinate vendor relationships and equipment service scheduling

Accounting & Financial Support

• Assist with accounting functions using QuickBooks

• Track expenses, invoices, and vendor payments

• Support financial recordkeeping and reporting accuracy

• Assist with budgeting and expense tracking

Qualifications

Preferred

• 3 years of experience in operations management, office management, or administrative leadership

• Experience working in regulated or process-driven environments

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Comfortable providing and receiving performance feedback

• High level of professionalism and discretion

Bonus Experience (Not Required)

• Experience in laboratory environments, agriculture, or compliance-driven industries

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $50,000 – $65,000 per year (depending on experience)

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate

Schedule

• Full-time

• Monday – Friday

• Typical hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (some flexibility possible)

Why This Role Matters

This role is essential to maintaining the structure and efficiency of our growing laboratory. The Business Operations Specialist will help keep daily operations running smoothly, support employee processes, and ensure financial and administrative organization—allowing leadership to focus on growth and innovation.