Relief FSQ Lab Technician - Blue Buffalo

COMPANY OVERVIEW
We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.​


POSITION OVERVIEW
Relief FSQ Lab Technician
Starting Pay: $20.80 per hour
Day Shift: 6:45 am to 7 pm
12-hour shifts | 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off schedules
Why Join Our Team
Located in historic Joplin, at our Joplin Pet manufacturing site we produce Blue Buffalo dog food, Sizzlers, Stix, Bits, Blue Bones and Wilderness Wild Bones dog treats. We foster a culture where we want our employees to be excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees. Our Blue Rah committee hosts events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. We also partner with our local humane society for different events and volunteer work.
What We Have to Offer
$20.80 per hour starting pay
Up to $25.10 per hour (internal pay advancement)
$1.00 per hour additional for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 am
Up to 120 hours (10 days) vacation annually
11 paid company holidays
401(k) with company match
Medical, dental, life insurance
Career growth and cross-training opportunities
Your Work Schedule and Shift Information
12-hour shifts
Day shift: 6:45 am – 7:00 pm
Night shift: 6:45 pm – 7:00 am
Primary Base Schedule: Day Shift
Shift Coverage Requirements: Must have the flexibility to provide cross-shift coverage, including off-shifts (nights) and weekends, to support operational needs
12-hour schedule: Work repeating 3 nights on, 2 nights off, 2 nights on, 3 nights off schedule
Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed
Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
As part of our manufacturing team, you will:
Conduct routine and advanced wet chemistry and analytical testing (including Long Method, Texture, pH, water activity, and NIR) to verify product quality and operational standards
Perform critical food safety checks and Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring in strict adherence to HACCP guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and established test methods
Perform routine maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation; assist with Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new equipment
Maintain complete, legible, and accurate laboratory records; record and track analytical and physical test results within SAP to ensure full traceability and procedural compliance
Prepare, package, and ship samples for microbiological, R&D, and third-party laboratory evaluations while upholding Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), cleanliness, inventory levels, and lab safety
Educate plant personnel on the proper operation of testing equipment (e.g., water activity meters, NIR) and provide cross-functional coverage for Lab Technicians and Analysts as needed
Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
Assist in training new employees
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED
Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts
Knowledge of food industry quality and sanitation standards and requirements a plus
Working knowledge of test methods and analytical test procedures (i.e. % moisture; peroxide value, ash, fat, aw, titrations, vitamin & mineral analysis, etc.)
Associate’s degree in chemistry, science or related field, or at least 6 months experience working in a wet lab environment
Working knowledge of AA, NIR and Leco systems a plus
Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
Basic computer skills with the ability to use digital tools and systems to complete daily work tasks
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in a manufacturing/production environment


ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)​
General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.


Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career:​

Skills
SAP