Seasonal R&D Lab Technician

AgHires; Del Rey (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision plan

401(k) with match

Job summary

POM Wonderful is seeking a detail-oriented seasonal R&D support worker to assist with fruit sampling, grading, and analytical testing in a fast-paced laboratory and packinghouse setting. You will collect and organize data, communicate results to R&D staff, and help with sensory evaluations and study protocols.

The role requires accuracy, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and with a team in a dynamic agricultural environment.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform fruit sampling, grading, and maturity and quality assessments according to established procedures.
• Prepare, label, organize, and evaluate fruit samples for R&D trials.
• Perform analytical testing using laboratory equipment including refractometers, pH meters, balances, and texture analyzers.
• Accurately collect, record, and enter experimental data and communicate results to R&D staff.
• Follow SOPs to ensure testing and data collection accuracy and consistency.
• Assist with setup and execution of R&D trials and sensory evaluations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and work areas in a clean, organized condition.
• Follow safety procedures in the packinghouse environments.

Job description

Company Description

From tree to table, POM Wonderful delivers a whole lot of healthy. Known for our iconic double-bubble bottle, we grow, harvest, package, and market fresh pomegranates, pomegranate arils, and a selection of delicious pomegranate-blended juices and teas. With over 9,000 acres in California's Central Valley, POM Wonderful is committed to unleashing the antioxidant power of our handpicked pomegranates.

JOB SUMMARY

The R&D Department is seeking a detail-oriented seasonal employee to support R&D activities. This position assists with fruit sampling and evaluation, analytical testing, data collection, sensory evaluations, and research trials. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory and packinghouse environment.

Base Compensation: $18/ hour

Job Description

• Learn and perform fruit sampling, grading, and maturity and quality assessments according to established procedures.
• Prepare, label, organize, and evaluate fruit samples for R&D trials.
• Perform analytical testing using laboratory equipment, including refractometers, pH meters, balances, and texture analyzers.
• Accurately collect, record, and enter experimental data and communicate results and observations to R&D staff.
• Follow study protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure accurate and consistent testing and data collection.
• Assist with the setup and execution of R&D trials and sensory evaluations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, samples, and work areas in a clean and organized condition.
• Apply basic safety knowledge and follow safety procedures when working in commercial fruit packinghouse environments, including awareness of equipment, traffic flow, and food safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support R&D activities.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory, agricultural, quality control, or research experience preferred.
• Coursework or a degree in Biology, Chemistry, Plant Science, Food Science, Agriculture, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Good communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently on multiple projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Good manual dexterity and ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in laboratory, outdoor, warehouse, refrigerated, and commercial packinghouse environments.
• Flexibility to work hours based on harvest schedules and research needs.

Additional Information

POM's Dedication to You

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including:
  • 24/7 online physician consultations
  • virtual mental health resources
  • life coaching
  • engaging employee community groups
  • cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
  • library of on-demand fitness videos
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
• Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
• Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
• Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.
• Building a Healthy Society: To date, our co-Founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across California's Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. In 2025, Wonderful ranked as #1 in PEOPLE's "100 Companies That Care" list and was named one of Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more about our corporate social responsibility efforts, visit csr.wonderful.com .
• Giving Back to the Community: Make a difference with Wonderful Giving , allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.

POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the United States as well as the worldwide leader in fresh California pomegranates and pomegranate-based products, including our 100% pomegranate juices, healthy juice blends and teas. With nearly two million pomegranate trees in Central California, we grow, handpick and juice our own pomegranates to ensure the highest quality. Sold throughout the world and in the vast majority of North American retailers, our selection of products includes pomegranate-based juices and teas, fresh fruit when in season, and fresh arils.

POM Wonderful is part of The Wonderful Company, a successful, fast-growing privately held $6 billion company with 10,000 employees worldwide. The Wonderful Company's connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back in its DNA. The company has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, including more than $1 billion invested in environmental sustainability; $65 million in charitable giving, education initiatives, and innovative health and wellness programs each year; and $143 million toward the construction of two charter school campuses in California's Central Valley. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit csr.wonderful.com.

We've made Wonderful® Pistachios America's fastest-growing snack brand. We've turned pomegranates and POM Wonderful® into a worldwide phenomenon. Wonderful Halos is the No. 1 mandarin orange in America. FIJI® Water is the No. 1 premium imported bottled water in America. JUSTIN® Wine produces California's top-selling, high-end Cabernet Sauvignon. And Teleflora® is the world's leading floral delivery service. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and its core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Wonderful Company is an Equality Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO is the law - click here for more information

EEO is the law - click here for more information