Plant Lab Technologist

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Laboratory Technologist in Wichita, KS to perform routine microbiology and chemistry tests following established protocols and work plans. You will record data, prepare samples, and assist with equipment performance documentation.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED; a BA/BS with 2+ years' experience is a plus, along with strong attention to detail and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• BA/BS degree and 2+ years' relevant experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions and manuals.
• Ability to accurately enter test results in a database.
• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to read/write English for forms and documentation.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Be respectful, approachable and team oriented.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine microbiology and/or chemistry tests per established protocols.
• Data entry into a computer database to generate reports for management.
• Prepare samples for analysis and document equipment performance (e.g., incubator temperatures).
• Assist in training Lab Technicians when applicable.
• Support additional tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

English reading/writing

Data entry

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BA/BS in relevant field

Tools

Basic laboratory equipment

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that’s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

Your Opportunity The Laboratory Technologist conducts routine laboratory testing following established protocols and work plans under the direction of his/her Supervisor. The technologist will issue results and may compare current test results to established baseline data. The Laboratory Technologist is often assigned to record basic instrument performance data such as temperature readings for incubators or refrigerators.

Core Responsibilities

• Microbiology and Chemistry Tests: Conducts routine microbiology and/or chemistry tests according to established protocols.
• Data Entry: Data entry into a computer database to generate reports and distribute to management.
• Analysis Preparation: Includes but is not limited to proficiency testing, sample receiving and grinding; preparation of media, collecting and setting up samples for analysis, reading analysis results and documenting equipment performance (i.e. temperature in incubators). This also includes cleaning of equipment and limited purchasing of supplies.
• Absence: In the absence of key personnel the employee’s supervisor or qualified designee (one that has been trained in the key employee's duties) is responsible to complete or delegate the completion of all required tasks and responsibilities.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, required.
• BA/BS degree and 2+ years' relevant experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to accurately enter test results in a data base.
• Ability to use a variety of basic laboratory equipment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office and laboratory setting. The laboratory environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate however some test equipment can be loud. Regularly required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell. Frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Supervisory Responsibilities

If the laboratory has a Lab Technician and the Associate Chemist is the senior position in the lab, the Associate Chemist is responsible and accountable for the training of the lab technician. This includes ensuring proper training using the methods and procedures provided in Smithfield’s laboratory manual. If the Associate Chemist is the senior position in the laboratory, this position is accountable for the testing accuracy of the lab technician.

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. Good food. Responsibly. is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.