Laboratory Technician - 1st Shift

The Swan Food Company; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Friday pay

PTO 2 weeks first year

7 paid holidays

2 personal days

Health plans

Dental plans

Vision plans

401k immediate vesting 4% match

Disability plans

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Financial planning

Virtual physical therapy assistance

Caregiving support

Job summary

The Swan Food Company in Kentucky is seeking a full-time laboratory technician to perform microbiological tests and ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, GMPs and HACCP.

You will record results, prepare media, release materials, and coordinate shipments to third‑party labs. The role offers weekly pay, PTO, holidays, 401k, and health, dental, vision plans, with immediate vesting matching.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; science coursework preferred.
• 1+ year of related microbiology/laboratory experience or equivalent.
• HACCP certification preferred. Safety-focused and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Performs microbiological tests using established media and procedures in line with USDA, FDA, state, and company regulations.
• Records tests daily and reports out-of-spec results; performs media preparation and sterilization.
• Releases raw materials and microbiological holds when results are acceptable; prepares temperature-sensitive products for shipment to external labs.

Job description

Starting Pay: $18.90 per hour

Additional $1.50 shift differential from 6 p.m. -- 6 a.m.

Shift:

What We Offer:

• Weekly Friday pay
• Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off your first year
• 7 paid holidays and 2 personal days each year
• Comprehensive Benefit Package, including:
  • 3 Health Plans
  • 2 Dental Plans
  • 2 Vision Plans
  • Immediately vesting 401k with up to 4% Company Match
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Plans
  • Numerous company-paid benefits, including, financial planning, employee assistance program, life insurance, virtual physical therapy assistance, and caregiving support

If you are interested in joining a growing company with popular retail brands such as Red Baron®, Tony's®, and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts; bibigo® and Pagoda® Asian-style snacks, this role is for you. This is a full-time position in a food manufacturing environment with opportunities for advancement!

What You Will Do:

• Performs microbiological tests using specific media and procedures in accordance with USDA, FDA, State, Federal, and company regulations.
• Records tests daily, reporting any out of specification results to the lead or supervisor, and performs media preparation/sterilization.
• Complies with Good Lab Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Releases raw materials and microbiological holds when there are acceptable results or as instructed by supervision.
• Prepares temperature sensitive products for shipment to 3rd party laboratory as specified by customers.

What You Will Bring:

• High school diploma or GED; post-secondary education in science preferred.
• 1+ year(s) of related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Comfortable with recommending areas for improvement or efficiency and always being an advocate for safety.
• HACCP certification preferred. Prior microbiology or laboratory experience preferred.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. CJ Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [e-mail].