FSQ Lab Technician - Blue Buffalo

General Mills; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time 120 hrs

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Medical, dental, life insurance

Career growth

Cross-training

Job summary

General Mills in Joplin, MO is hiring for a FSQ Lab Technician. The role starts at $20.00 per hour with a day shift schedule (6:45 am–7:00 pm) on a 12-hour day shift cycle.

The position offers overtime, weekend work, and holidays as needed, along with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for internal pay advancement. The lab technician will perform product inspections, analytical testing, and documentation while supporting QA to ensure regulatory compliance and food safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to work rotating 12-hour shifts.
• Knowledge of food industry quality and sanitation standards is a plus.
• Experience with SQF and FGSI is a plus.
• Basic computer skills to use digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute product inspections, analytical testing, and documentation.
• Assist QA supervisor to meet regulatory, food safety and compliance standards.
• Perform HACCP and SQF monitoring and verification activities including control checks and audits.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance platform performance.
• Assist in training new employees.

Skills

Rotating shifts

English understood

Communication

Basic computer skills

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Teamwork and collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

AA, NIR, Leco systems

Job description

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

FSQ Lab Technician

Starting Pay: $20.00 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

• $20.00 per hour starting pay
• Up to $23.50 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

Currently hiring for Day shift

• 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

• Manage and execute product inspections, analytical testing, and documentation
• Assist and support QA supervisor in meeting regulatory, food safety and compliance standards
• Conduct HACCP and SQF related monitoring and verification activities including control checks, audits, temperature checks, CCP verification, pest control observations, pre-shipment reviews, microbiological swabbing, and other processing procedural checks or inspections
• 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
• SQF and FGSI knowledge a plus
• 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.

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