Quality Assurance Lab Assistant -- Nampa

HB Specialty Foods; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual raises

Sign-on bonus

Quarterly bonus

Vacation time

Sick time

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Team environment

Job summary

HB Specialty Foods is seeking a Lab Assistant to test products to specification and report results promptly. The role requires accuracy, organization, and clear communication, collaborating with Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams to maintain product quality.

The position supports food safety and continuous improvement of the quality program, with a day shift from 5:00 am to 1:30 pm and a starting pay of $17 per hour, plus benefits and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in a lab or food quality testing preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in cross functional teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Detailed analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and keep the labs clean and organized by following good lab practices.
• Maintain and keep lab equipment clean and sanitized.
• Prepare and test samples according to SOPs including but not limited to color, aroma, viscosity, moisture, and salt.
• Collect and perform testing according to the environmental monitoring program and water testing program.
• Collect and perform testing for micro lab testing of products including APC, yeast, and mold.
• Collect and prepare samples for third‑party testing, keeping an accurate and timely schedule for shipments.
• Analyze results of tests and reporting and record findings.
• Keep updated records, ensuring information is accessible and accurate.
• Record and maintain lab equipment calibration results.
• Maintain lab proficiency by completing and passing quarterly lab proficiency testing.
• Print labels according to product specifications and issue them to production. Keep an accurate count of label usage.
• Perform cleaning tasks following the Master Cleaning Schedule.
• Manage inventory of production and lab materials (e.g., gloves, masks, knives, hair nets, beard nets, label stock, microplates, media, etc.) and keep storage areas and bins cleaned and stocked.
• Review production/quality control monitoring documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Cross functional teamwork

Mathematics

Verbal and written communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Analytical abilities

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Immediate Quality Assurance Associate Opportunity

QA Lab Assistant- Day(5:00 am to 1:30pm)

Salary Compensation: $17 per hour

Bonuses Benefits Paid Time Off Overtime Available as Needed

HB Specialty Foods is a family-owned, growing company that values teamwork, reliability, and employees who want to learn and grow. If you are dependable, hardworking, and ready to be part of a strong team, we’d love to meet you!

Why Join HB Specialty Foods?

• Competitive pay with annual longevity raises
• Earn up to $1,500 in sign-on bonuses
• Ability to earn quarterly bonuses each year
• Vacation starts at 80 hours annually and increases with years of service
• 40 hours of sick time awarded annually
• 9 paid holidays each year
• Medical insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Dental, vision, FSA/HSA available the first of the month following 90 days of employment
• 401(k) Matching up to 4%
• Paid Parental Leave (40 hours)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Team-focused environment with opportunities to learn and grow

Job Summary:

The Lab Assistant is responsible for testing product to specification and reporting results in a timely manner. This position requires accuracy, precision, organization, and effective communication to meet key performance activities. This position works closely with Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams to provide accurate and timely product results.

The Lab Assistant will provide a commitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvement of the quality program.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and keep the labs clean and organized by following good lab practices.
• Maintain and keep lab equipment clean and sanitized.
• Prepare and test samples according to SOPs including but not limited to color, aroma, viscosity, moisture, and salt.
• Collect and perform testing according to the environmental monitoring program and water testing program.
• Collect and perform testing for micro lab testing of products including APC, yeast, and mold.
• Collect and prepare samples for third‑party testing, keeping an accurate and timely schedule for shipments.
• Analyze results of tests and reporting and record findings.
• Keep updated records, ensuring information is accessible and accurate.
• Record and maintain lab equipment calibration results.
• Maintain lab proficiency by completing and passing quarterly lab proficiency testing.
• Print labels according to product specifications and issue them to production. Keep an accurate count of label usage.
• Perform cleaning tasks following the Master Cleaning Schedule.
• Manage inventory of production and lab materials (e.g., gloves, masks, knives, hair nets, beard nets, label stock, microplates, media, etc.) and keep storage areas and bins cleaned and stocked.
• Review production/quality control monitoring documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in cross functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability in basic mathematics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Detailed analytical abilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a facility that handles allergens including, but not limited to: wheat, soy, egg, milk, celery and mustard.
• Must be able to perform physical requirements of the position including walking, standing, stooping and climbing.
• Must be able to lift up 35 pounds at times.
• Must be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to work in open environments with exposure to pungent odors and varying climates.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in a lab or food quality testing preferred.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance.
• 80 Vacation Hours Annually.
• 40 Sick Time Hours Annually.
• Flexible Benefits Plan.n
• Matching 401(k) Plan.
• BBQ’s and Picnics.

HB’s Vision:

To positively impact the lives of our families, partners, and communities for future generations by leading innovation in the food chain.

HB’s Mission:

To develop and deliver the best food solutions for people and planet.

Values:

COLLA BORATION

QUA LITY

INT EGRITY

APPRECIATIO NDNESS

S AFETY

HB Specialty Foods is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. HB Specialty Foods will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 208-606-7238.