Laboratory Technician

Job Description

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in entry-level computer skills and a proven ability to follow established laboratory procedures, meet quality standards, and achieve productivity targets in a high-volume environment.

Orientation and Schedule

• Orientation on September 14. Up to 6 hires.
• Attendance required during the first 30 days of training. No planned time off.
• Weekly schedule: 40 hours, overtime from July to December as needed.
• Shift: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Day shift until October.

Responsibilities:

• Perform quality testing procedures per ISTA, AOSA, and sampling guidelines and assess testing requirements per established protocols.
• Verify and record quality test results with consistent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Assist with monitoring, basic troubleshooting, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area in compliance with Safety and Health guidelines and housekeeping practices.
• Train on cross-functional tasks to support high-volume or critical periods.
• Monitor product for quality assurance and ensure alignment with the Quality Plan.
• Identify and reduce redundant or unnecessary testing where appropriate.
• Recommend and implement improvements to productivity, methods, and defect detection. Support issue troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain effective communication and rapport with site personnel.
• Conduct standard germination tests on seeds including corn, wheat, soy, and sorghum. Prepare seed rolls, place in germinators, evaluate seedlings, and enter results in a tablet.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Entry-level computer skills and accurate data entry.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to evaluate large sample sets for abnormalities.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Dependability, professionalism, and consistent attendance. Reliable transportation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in operations, quality, manufacturing, laboratory support, agriculture, or other hands-on roles.
• Comfort with repetitive, detail-oriented work following established procedures.

Interview and Documentation

• Interview required. Resume required. Manager will review and select candidates.
• Candidates should demonstrate engagement, clear communication, and interest in the role.
• Professional interview attire required. Punctuality expected.

Training and Performance Incentives

• Training includes planting techniques and machine use, followed by approximately 15 hours evaluating seedlings.
• Training incentive: Complete evaluation of commercial corn, planting corn, and soybeans without direct supervision in two to three weeks for a $0.50/hr increase.
• Evaluation expectations: Achieve and maintain 65 reps/hour for all trained crops within three weeks after training for a $1.00/hr increase. Contingent on consistent performance.

Peak Season Incentives

• Productivity: 65+ reps/hour cold corn evaluation with zero errors from August 10 to September 11 earns a $50 weekly bonus. 80+ reps/hour warm corn evaluation with zero errors from October 1 to November 7 earns a $50 weekly bonus.
• Attendance: From September 28 to November 6, work the entire week with no attendance occurrences to earn a $75 weekly bonus. Work all overtime and Saturdays during peak to earn an additional one-time $75 bonus with zero absences.

Work Environment

• High-energy lab with 30–50 team members. Mix of group and independent tasks.
• Overtime and some weekends may be required during peak. Aim to complete tasks within 8 hours, with potential for 10-hour days from July to December.
• No driving required. No additional medical surveillance testing required. No special equipment required.