Job Description
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)
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
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.