Lab Technician

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician supports a fast-paced food and environmental testing laboratory by preparing samples, media, and materials for microbiological analysis while strictly following standard operating procedures, quality standards, and safety guidelines. This role focuses on accurate sample handling, documentation, and laboratory support activities to help ensure turnaround times are consistently met.

Responsibilities

+ Prepare samples for laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures and standards.

+ Perform sample preparation activities following all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs).

+ Prepare media and other laboratory materials required for microbiological testing.

+ Plate samples for microbiological analysis using proper aseptic technique.

+ Accurately document all work completed, including sample handling, preparation steps, and test activities.

+ Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the shift.

+ Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), laboratory safety protocols, and quality procedures at all times.

+ Support overall laboratory operations to ensure testing turnaround times and productivity goals are met.

+ Handle repetitive laboratory tasks with consistent accuracy and attention to detail.

+ Collaborate with team members in a high-volume environment to manage workload and meet deadlines.

+ Stand for extended periods while performing sample preparation, plating, media preparation, and other laboratory support activities.

+ Adhere to all SOPs and quality standards when working with food and environmental samples.

+ Assist with general laboratory duties as needed to maintain smooth daily operations.

Essential Skills

+

Experience with sample preparation in a laboratory, food processing, or similar operational environment.

+ Ability to follow SOPs precisely and consistently in daily work.

+ Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting, plating, and aseptic technique.

+ Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

+ Dependability and reliability in meeting schedule, workload, and quality expectations.

+ Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks throughout the shift.

+ Comfort working in a food and environmental testing laboratory with strict quality and safety requirements.

+ Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime when needed.

+ Effective teamwork and communication skills in a collaborative, production-oriented environment.

+ Positive attitude and willingness to learn and follow established procedures.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred but not required.

+ Experience in laboratory, food manufacturing, retail, restaurant, production, warehouse, or other high-volume operational environments is highly beneficial.

+ Familiarity with food science and food processing environments is an advantage.

+ Previous exposure to GMP, laboratory safety practices, and quality procedures is preferred.

+ Local availability and ability to reliably commute to the laboratory facility.

+ Willingness to work overtime and flexible shifts based on operational needs.

+ Comfort working in a structured environment with defined SOPs and performance expectations.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced food and environmental testing laboratory with a team-oriented culture and high sample volume. Work involves frequent and repetitive laboratory tasks such as sample preparation, plating, media preparation, and general lab support, performed primarily while standing for most of the shift. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to GMP, laboratory safety, and quality procedures. Multiple shift options are available, including Monday Friday and weekend-based schedules, with openings on afternoon and evening shifts (for example, approximately 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM, and 5:00 PM to 1:30 AM).

Employees work in a production-style laboratory setting where accuracy, urgency, and teamwork are critical, and overtime may be required to meet testing turnaround times.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lancaster, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including…