Food Lab Technician: Precise Testing for Quality & Safety

Silver Fern Farms Ltd; Balclutha; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meat discounts

Paid sick leave

Employee assistance program

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms Laboratory Technician role supports Finegand operations with chemical and microbiological testing to uphold food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Working with the Laboratory Manager and technical teams, you ensure reliable outcomes and maintain high lab standards for site operations.

Hours are 8am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional sampling and weekend work. You’ll contribute to reporting and continuous improvement within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience or foundational knowledge of laboratory practices, particularly analytical testing.
• Strong attention to detail and record keeping.
• Understanding of food safety and quality systems is advantageous.
• Good computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Carry out sampling, preparation, and analytical testing in line with monitoring programmes and documented procedures
• Ensure high standards of accuracy, precision, and consistency in all laboratory testing
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment in accordance with schedules and compliance requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organised laboratory that meets health and safety standards
• Provide accurate, timely reporting for technical, quality, and compliance purposes
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and problem‑solving within the laboratory
• Follow all health, safety, and wellness procedures, always ensuring safe work practices

Skills

Laboratory testing

Attention to detail

Record keeping

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Silver Fern Farms Laboratory Technician role supports Finegand operations with chemical and microbiological testing to uphold food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Working with the Laboratory Manager and technical teams, you ensure reliable outcomes and maintain high lab standards for site operations.

Hours are 8am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional sampling and weekend work. You’ll contribute to reporting and continuous improvement within a supportive team environment.