Lab Technician

Sun Gro Horticulture; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401k Match

Paid vacation

Floating days

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Service Awards

Employee Perks & Discounts

Job summary

Sun Gro Horticulture in the United States is seeking a Lab Technician / Quality Control Technician to ensure product quality across raw materials, in-process components, and finished products. The role includes testing, data recording, calibration, and supporting production teams with quality processes in a safety-sensitive environment.

The position requires collecting samples, maintaining test records, and assisting audits while training staff on quality procedures to uphold regulatory

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, lab testing, or related industry preferred.
• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Safety-sensitive position.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products according to quality standards.
• Follow company quality systems and testing procedures (SQS program).
• Monitor product quality at the start of production runs and throughout the process.
• Collect and prepare samples as required by technical and regulatory teams.
• Accurately record and enter test data into company quality systems.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory testing equipment.
• Assist operations with mix line and plant calibration when needed.
• Follow proper escalation procedures when products fail to meet quality standards.
• Maintain retain samples according to quality procedures.
• Train employees on quality testing procedures as required.
• Support investigations and resolution of product quality claims.
• Work with technical specialists to maintain quality specifications.
• Participate in plant quality meetings and provide input on quality concerns.
• Assist with internal and external quality audits.
• Perform additional duties assigned by management or technical staff

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Math skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.

Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at Sun Gro.

Role: Lab Technician / Quality Control Technician
Job Summary:

The Lab Technician is responsible for ensuring product quality by conducting testing on raw materials, in-process components, and finished products in accordance with company quality standards and external regulatory requirements. This role includes collecting samples, monitoring product consistency, maintaining accurate records of test results, calibrating lab equipment, and supporting production teams with quality processes. The position also requires participation in audits, training employees on quality procedures, and maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products according to quality standards
• Follow company quality systems and testing procedures (SQS program)
• Monitor product quality at the start of production runs and throughout the process
• Collect and prepare samples as required by technical and regulatory teams
• Accurately record and enter test data into company quality systems
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory testing equipment
• Assist operations with mix line and plant calibration when needed
• Follow proper escalation procedures when products fail to meet quality standards
• Maintain retain samples according to quality procedures
• Train employees on quality testing procedures as required
• Support investigations and resolution of product quality claims
• Work with technical specialists to maintain quality specifications
• Participate in plant quality meetings and provide input on quality concerns
• Assist with internal and external quality audits
• Perform additional duties assigned by management or technical staff

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, lab testing, or related industry preferred
• Strong math and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and data entry systems
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and testing protocols
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed
• Ability to stand, walk, and work for extended periods
• Ability to work in dusty, loud, hot, or cold environments
• Ability to work shifts as required
• Ability to safely perform testing duties in an industrial environment
• **This is a safety sensitive position**

Benefits

• Health Insurance (includes teledoc, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Employee Support and Mental Wellness
• Short term disability
• 401k Match
• Paid vacationom
• Floating days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Engagement Events
• Awards and Recognition
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Perks & Discounts