Relief FSQ Lab Technician - Blue Buffalo

Heartland Pet Food Mfg.; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting pay $20.80/hr

Pay progression up to $25.10/hr

Night premium $1/hr (7pm-7am)

Vacation 120 hours/yr

11 holidays

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, life insurance

Career growth & cross-training

Job summary

General Mills in Joplin, MO, is seeking a Relief FSQ Lab Technician to perform wet chemistry and analytical testing at a 12-hour day shift. The role supports quality, GLP, and HACCP procedures at our pet food site, with opportunities for cross-training and advancement.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and experience in a wet lab or quality environment; shift flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced plant are essential. Benefits include health coverage and 401(k).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Able to work rotating 12-hour shifts.
• Knowledge of food industry quality and sanitation standards is a plus.
• Associate’s degree in chemistry, science or related field, or 6+ months wet lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and advanced wet chemistry and analytical testing to verify product quality.
• Perform HACCP monitoring and essential safety checks.
• Maintain lab records and traceability in SAP.
• Assist with IQ/OQ/PQ for new equipment.

Skills

Rotating shifts

English communication

Lab testing procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in chemistry/science or related field

Tools

AA/NIR/Leco systems

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Relief FSQ Lab Technician

Starting Pay: $20.80 per hour

Day Shift: 6:45 am to 7 pm 12-hour shifts | 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off schedules

Why Join Our Team

Located in historic Joplin, at our Joplin Pet manufacturing site we produce Blue Buffalo dog food, Sizzlers, Stix, Bits, Blue Bones and Wilderness Wild Bones dog treats. We foster a culture where we want our employees to be excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees. Our Blue Rah committee hosts events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. We also partner with our local humane society for different events and volunteer work.

What We Have to Offer

• $20.80 per hour starting pay
• Up to $25.10 per hour (internal pay advancement)
• $1.00 per hour additional for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 am
• Up to 120 hours (10 days) vacation annually
• 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, life insurance
• Career growth and cross-training opportunities

Your Work Schedule and Shift Information

12-hour shifts

Day shift: 6:45 am – 7:00 pm

Night shift: 6:45 pm – 7:00 am

Primary Base Schedule: Day Shift

Shift Coverage Requirements: Must have the flexibility to provide cross-shift coverage, including off-shifts (nights) and weekends, to support operational needs

12-hour schedule: Work repeating 3 nights on, 2 nights off, 2 nights on, 3 nights off schedule

Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays as needed Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conduct routine and advanced wet chemistry and analytical testing (including Long Method, Texture, pH, water activity, and NIR) to verify product quality and operational standards
• Perform critical food safety checks and Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring in strict adherence to HACCP guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and established test methods
• Perform routine maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation; assist with Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new equipment
• Maintain complete, legible, and accurate laboratory records; record and track analytical and physical test results within SAP to ensure full traceability and procedural compliance
• Prepare, package, and ship samples for microbiological, R&D, and third-party laboratory evaluations while upholding Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), cleanliness, inventory levels, and lab safety
• Educate plant personnel on the proper operation of testing equipment (e.g., water activity meters, NIR) and provide cross-functional coverage for Lab Technicians and Analysts as needed
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
• Assist in training new employees

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts
• Knowledge of food industry quality and sanitation standards and requirements a plus
• Working knowledge of test methods and analytical test procedures (i.e. % moisture; peroxide value, ash, fat, aw, titrations, vitamin & mineral analysis, etc.)
• Associate’s degree in chemistry, science or related field, or at least 6 months experience working in a wet lab environment
• Working knowledge of AA, NIR and Leco systems a plus
• Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
• Basic computer skills with the ability to use digital tools and systems to complete daily work tasks
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
• Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
• Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
• Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
• Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
• Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a manufacturing/production environment

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career: New possibilities. Bold thinking. Real heart. Build remarkable brands with remarkable people. At General Mills, we make food the world loves. Across 100+ markets, we come together to create, innovate and grow. Here, you’ll do meaningful work and help to lead the future of food at a company that stands for good. Watch with captions in other languages here.