Laboratory Technician

Silver Fern Farms; Balclutha; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Heavily discounted staff meat sales

Paid sick leave from day one

Confidential employee assistance

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms Balclutha is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join the Finegand operations team. You will perform chemical and microbiological testing to support food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and technical colleagues.

This hands-on role requires strong attention to detail, reliable work habits, and a proactive approach to safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience or foundational knowledge of laboratory practices, particularly analytical testing.
• Strong attention to detail and a high standard of record keeping.
• Understanding of food safety and quality systems (meat industry experience is advantageous but not essential).
• Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• A proactive approach to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Carry out sampling, preparation, and analytical testing in line with Silver Fern Farms 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

Analytical testing

Attention to detail

Communication

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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Silver Fern Farms - Balclutha, South Island

As a Laboratory Technician, you'll be an integral part of our Finegand operations, ensuring chemical and microbiological testing is carried out accurately, safely, and on time. This is a hands-on, detail-focused role that plays a vital part in supporting food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Working closely with the Laboratory Manager and wider technical teams, you'll deliver reliable testing outcomes while helping maintain strong laboratory standards and a positive team culture. Your work directly supports site operations and the trust our customers place in our products.

Work hours are 8am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional sampling and weekend work required outside these hours.

• Carry out sampling, preparation, and analytical testing in line with Silver Fern Farms 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

You're detail-oriented, reliable, and take pride in producing accurate work. You understand the importance of compliance in a regulated environment and enjoy working as part of a close-knit technical team.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Experience or foundational knowledge of laboratory practices, particularly analytical testing
• Strong attention to detail and a high standard of record keeping
• An understanding of food safety and quality systems (meat industry experience is advantageous but not essential)
• Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships
• A proactive approach to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Te Ahurea / Why Work at Silver Fern Farms?

At Silver Fern Farms, everything we do is driven by our purpose: Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. That means being good to our people, our communities, our animals, and our environment.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Heavily discounted staff meat sales through our on-site Butcher's Block
• Paid sick leave from day one
• Confidential employee assistance for wellbeing, financial advice, and career support
• A supportive team environment within a stable, respected New Zealand business

Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all.