Quality Lab Technician (2nd Shift)

Ardent Mills; Hastings (MN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Quality Technician, where your expertise in laboratory testing will ensure the highest standards of wheat and flour quality. This role involves performing critical analyses, maintaining lab equipment, and actively participating in food safety audits. You will be part of a dedicated team that values integrity, safety, and environmental responsibility. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment, you will play a vital role in delivering quality products that meet customer and regulatory standards. If you are passionate about quality assurance and ready to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Retirement Savings with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Employee Recognition Program

Wellness Programs

Family Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; bachelor's preferred.
• Basic computer skills and lab technique familiarity needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform wheat/flour quality analysis and maintain lab equipment.
• Communicate results and assist with food safety inspections.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Basic lab tools

Job description

Quality Technician

Your role:

As Quality Technician, you will be responsible for accurate performance and communication of all laboratory tests to determine wheat/flour quality and verify finished product meets customer, regulatory and Ardent Mills requirements. You will also maintain and calibrate lab equipment to ensure accuracy of testing; actively participate in Food Safety audits and inspections and follow up and implementation of corrective action.

To succeed, you must be able to:

• Deliver results in first-time situations by inspiring others and working to earn trust every day
• Serve others with understanding, respect, and care
• Operate with simplicity, clarity and transparency
• Deal with and drive change
• Organize, prioritize and own multiple tasks while meeting or exceeding deadlines
• Learn and apply new technology and share your knowledge with others
• Carry out all activities with reliability, integrity, compliance and in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.

Your responsibilities:

• Perform wheat/flour quality analysis in all areas within required parameters of certification program and customer specifications
• Proficiently perform analytical laboratory techniques using basic lab tools
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration on the machines
• Communicate results to customers using appropriate computer software
• Data entry for paperwork generation and record keeping
• Act as a front-line leader, positively influencing operator behavior and reporting and acting on quality and food safety concerns
• Provide back-up to Quality Manager and lab team
• Assist with food safety inspections and audits
• Any other duties as assigned by management

Essential skills and experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Basic skills with computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to learn and use new computer programs
• Familiarity with lab environment or knowledge of lab techniques

Good to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline
• Participated or supported with GMP for 3rd party audit
• Knowledge of food safety requirements (PRP’s, HACCP, PCQI certification)
• Flour or food production quality experience

Physical requirements and working conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the operating areas (i.e., safety glasses, protective footwear, hard hat, hearing protection, and, at times, a respirator)
• Ability to work a rotating schedule including nights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to work a machine paced continuous process that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with conditions that include heat/cold temperatures (inclement weather), indoor/outdoor environment, dusty environment (to include Wheat/Gluten allergens), noisy environment, frequent moving/vibration or other motion of equipment/processes, and elevated places
• Ability to perform work safely which may require frequently standing, walking, rotating, bending/stooping, twisting, crouching, kneeling, balancing and reaching or lifting at varying heights and levels
• Frequently climbing stairs and/or ladders
• Occasionally lifting, shoveling and/or carrying
• Occasionally pushing and/or pulling
• Working in confined or elevated places

Other considerations:

• Must be able to read, interpret instructions and technology and communicate effectively in English
• Willing to get cross-trained in at least one other position for development within the facility and to provide any relief duties as needed.
• Must be willing to work alongside your team including long days, on rotating or varying shifts (days, evenings, and nights) as well as overtime, weekend or holiday work
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future
• Except where prohibited by law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test and pre-employment background check
• Team members must be clean-shaven to perform tasks where respiratory protection is required and the use of a respirator (including N-95 dust mask) requires a proper seal for adequate protection.

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.

Location: Hastings, MN

Address: 2005 South Vermillion Street, Hastings MN, 55033

Employment Type: Full time

Competitive Compensation: We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $25.90 - $34.57, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience.

Benefits: At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include: Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage; Health and Dependent Savings Accounts; Life and Disability Programs; Voluntary Benefit Programs; Company Sponsored Wellness Programs; Retirement Savings with Company Match; Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP); Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays; Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE).

EEO Commitment: At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills.