Micro Lab Technician I

Wells Enterprises; Le Mars (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid time off

Annual incentive bonus

Job summary

Wells Enterprises, a Ferrero company, is seeking a Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician to perform microbiological and chemical analyses on finished products, raw materials, and environmental samples from manufacturing plants.

You will prepare media and conduct testing per FDA BAM and AOAC methods, ensuring QA and accurate reporting in a fast-paced dairy environment. Join a leading ice cream manufacturer committed to quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science; or an Associate’s degree with 1–3 years experience preferred.
• Fully trained in all lab testing/reading and complete safety training on the job.
• Practices and principles of basic laboratory operations in microbiology and chemistry.
• Effective teamwork and communication, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail, process flow and accuracy.
• Lab and computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Safely and effectively operate lab equipment.
• Reports to: Corporate Lab Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze samples per SOPs, FDA BAM procedures, and standard methods for the examination of Dairy Products.
• Perform QA/QC of all lab analyses.
• Read, record, and report test results with accuracy.
• Conduct proficiency testing on unknowns/allergens.
• Follow good lab practices and safety principles in the lab.
• Prepare media per AOAC/ FDA guidelines and Wells Lab SOPs.
• Ensure media handling, sterilization, and storage are correct.
• Daily/weekly/monthly calibration checks of lab equipment.
• Maintain and inventory lab supplies, media, and reagents.
• Dispose of retained samples and biohazardous materials.

Skills

Teamwork & communication

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Lab equipment operation

Color judgment

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s in Microbiology/ Biology/ Chemistry/ Food Science

Associate’s degree + 1–3 years experience

Tools

Pipettes

Lab scales

Incubators

Refrigerators

Job description

Job Description

Company: Wells Enterprises (a Ferrero Company)

Functional Area: Quality Assurance

The Role

Under general supervision, performs microbiological and chemical analysis on finished product, raw materials, processing and environmental samples from manufacturing plants. Provides accurate laboratory testing to detect and enumerate organisms of interest by product in compliance with the ISO 17025 regulatory standards. Prepares media and reagents as required.

What You’ll Do

• Prepares and analyzes samples according to Standard Operating Procedures, FDA[1]BAM procedures, and Standard methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.
• Performs procedures for quality control and quality assurance of all lab analyses.
• Accurately reads, interprets, records, and reports the results of laboratory tests. Reviews laboratory documentation before results are sent to appropriate departments to ensure accuracy.
• Performs proficiency testing on unknown specimens/allergens.
• Performs testing following good lab practices while following prescribed safety principles in general and specialty areas of the laboratory including (but not limited to) pathogen testing, bacterial confirmations, special request testing, allergen testing, quantitative analysis.
• Prepares media in accordance with the guidelines set out by the AOAC Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, the FDA BAM Manual, and the Wells' Corporate Lab Media SOP's to meet the demands of the microbiology laboratory.
• Ensures that all media is properly handled, sterilized, and stored.
• Documents media preparation as required by the Microbiology SOP's.
• Performs, daily, weekly or monthly calibration checks of laboratory test equipment.
• Cleans and maintains all laboratory equipment including but not limited to pipettors, scales, metric dispensers, storage equipment, incubators and refrigerators; responsible for general upkeep of laboratory.
• Maintains laboratory inventories of supplies, media, and reagents.
• Responsible for proper disposal of retained samples, and biohazardous materials.

#IND123

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science, or Associate’s degree with 1-3 years of experience is preferred.
• Must be fully trained in all lab testing/reading and complete all safety training on the job.
• Practices and principles of basic laboratory operations, techniques and procedures utilized in areas of microbiology and chemistry.
• Effective teamwork and communication, both written and verbal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, process flow and accuracy.
• Lab and computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Safely and effectively operate lab equipment.
• Accurately evaluate color shades and quality.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced work environment.
• Reports to: Corporate Lab Supervisor
• Direct Reports: N/A
• Indirect Reports: N/A

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis

About Us

Wells Enterprises, a Ferrero company, is one of the largest ice cream manufacturers in the United States and the maker of well-loved brands including Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics and today Trolli, Butterfinger 100grand, Baby Ruth, Nutella and Kinder Bueno.

Wells Enterprises is a $2 billion company employing 4,000 employees, across four production plants and two main hub locations, Chicago and Le Mars. Guided by innovation, quality, and a people-first mindset, Wells is committed to delighting consumers and developing exceptional teams.

As part of the Ferrero Group, Wells combines its strong U.S. heritage with Ferrero’s global standards of excellence, offering a unique opportunity to grow within a dynamic, values-driven, and international environment.

At Wells, our people—and their experience—sit at the heart of our ambition. Learn more at www.wellsenterprisesinc.com.

What We Offer

At Wells, we’re proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance. Learn more about our benefits here.