QA Laboratory Technician

Wabashvalleyeggs; Zanesville (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabash Valley Produce is seeking a detail-oriented QA Laboratory Technician to join our Quality Assurance team. This role will perform microbiological, chemical, and physical laboratory testing while supporting food safety programs and helping ensure only safe, high-quality products leave our facility.

Reporting to the Food Safety/Quality Assurance Manager, you will maintain records, calibrate equipment, prepare media, and assist in audits to uphold the highest food safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of laboratory or quality control experience preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Working knowledge of microbiological testing and laboratory practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to accurately document laboratory results and maintain records.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing, including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Staphylococcus, APC, coliform, yeast, and mold analysis.
• Conduct physical and chemical testing including pH, moisture, fat content, solids, salt content, peroxide, whip, and weep testing.
• Collect and prepare samples from raw materials, work-in-process, finished products, and environmental monitoring.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, sterilization logs, and sample documentation.
• Prepare laboratory media, supplies, and testing materials.
• Enter and maintain accurate laboratory data and testing records.
• Support USDA, SQF, HACCP, and food quality compliance programs.
• Participate in environmental monitoring, water quality testing, shelf-life studies, and proficiency testing.
• Assist during internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
• Perform pre-operational inspections and support in-process quality activities.
• Cross-train with the Quality Technician and provide coverage when needed.
• Assist in training backup personnel for laboratory operations.
• Immediately report out-of-specification test results so corrective actions can be initiated.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Quality control

Microbiological testing

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Documentation

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing, including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Staphylococcus, APC, coliform, yeast, and mold analysis.
• Conduct physical and chemical testing including pH, moisture, fat content, solids, salt content, peroxide, whip, and weep testing.
• Collect and prepare samples from raw materials, work-in-process, finished products, and environmental monitoring.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, sterilization logs, and sample documentation.
• Prepare laboratory media, supplies, and testing materials.
• Enter and maintain accurate laboratory data and testing records.
• Support USDA, SQF, HACCP, and food quality compliance programs.
• Participate in environmental monitoring, water quality testing, shelf-life studies, and proficiency testing.
• Assist during internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
• Perform pre-operational inspections and support in-process quality activities.
• Cross-train with the Quality Technician and provide coverage when needed.
• Assist in training backup personnel for laboratory operations.
• Immediately report out-of-specification test results so corrective actions can be initiated.

Primary Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of laboratory or quality control experience preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Working knowledge of microbiological testing and laboratory practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to accurately document laboratory results and maintain records.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs throughout the production facility.
• Good vision (corrected or uncorrected) to perform laboratory testing and inspections.
• Ability to follow all food safety, sanitation, PPE, and personal hygiene requirements.

Wabash Valley Produce is seeking a detail-oriented QA Laboratory Technician to join our Quality Assurance team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring our egg products meet the highest standards for food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Reporting directly to the Food Safety/Quality Assurance Manager, you will perform microbiological, chemical, and physical laboratory testing while supporting food safety programs and helping ensure only safe, high-quality products leave our facility.