Laboratory Technician

• ** Attendance is critical and REQUIRED during training for the first 30 days. Do not submit candidates that have a planned vacation or appointments during this time.
• Weekly Schedule: 40 hours + OT (July-Dec)
• Shift: 7:00am – 3:30pm
• Interview required? Yes
• Resume required? Yes, Manager will review and select candidates for hire.
• Any specific skills or requirements you want in a candidate: Entry Level Computer skills – Job duties will vary
• Any additional Medical Surveillance testing required? – No
• High School Diploma or GED required

Description:

• Perform quality testing procedures in accordance with ISTA, AOSA, and sampling guidelines, and assess testing requirements according to established guidelines.
• Verify and record quality test results with consistent attention to detail.
• Perform all duties with a high level of accuracy in order to maintain the integrity of quality results.
• Assist in monitoring the proper functioning and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain a clean, healthy and safe working environment in compliance with Safety and Health guidelines and housekeeping practices.
• Train on cross-functional tasks in other functions of the laboratory on processes that may need additional support during high volume or critical periods.
• Monitor product for quality assurance and ensure activities meet the requirements of the Quality Plan.
• Actively seek to reduce redundant and unnecessary testing.
• Recommend and implement measures to improve productivity, performance, methods, troubleshoot issues, and identify quality defects.
• Develop and maintain good communication and rapport with site personnel.

Training Incentive:

• Complete evaluation of commercial corn, planting corn, and soybeans without direct supervision. The expected timeframe is two-three weeks. $.50/hr increase.

• Expectations for Evaluation: The goal is that the evaluator must reach and maintain 65 reps per hr. for all crops trained on. The expected timeframe is three weeks after training is completed. A $1.00 increase will be awarded.

• **Contingent on consistency of performance.

Productivity Bonus- Peak Incentive:

• Those who average 65 or more reps per hour of cold corn evaluation with ZERO error during August 10 through September 11 will receive a $50 weekly bonus. Those who average 80 or more reps per hour on warm corn evaluation with ZERO errors during October 1 through November 7 will receive a $50 weekly bonus.

Attendance Bonus-Peak Incentive:
Time frame: September 28-November 6: The employee must work the entire week with no attendance occurrences (late, leaving early unexcused or excused, absence, unexpected or expected, etc.). The employee will be eligible for a $75 weekly attendance bonus.
Overall attendance bonus: The employee MUST work all overtime and Saturdays to be eligible for an extra $75 bonus when the lab is running during this peak time. Employees must have zero absences throughout this period. It is a one-time bonus.
Spotlight Call Notes:

• Quality Testing Lab – evaluating & testing plant samples
• No experience Necessary
• Standard Germination tests on seed (Corn. wheat, soy, sorghum)
• Rolling dozens of seeds on a paper towel and wax paper then placing them into a germinator. Then they will review the quality of the seedlings (live, dead, abnormal) and enter findings into a tablet.
• High Energy lab. Will be sitting and/or standing for long periods of time with some repetitive motions.
• Lab has between 30-50 workers. They work together in groups and some 1:1 tasks
• Contractors will be evaluated – based on performance metrics such as accuracy, performance, attendance, speed, etc.
• Training consists of: starting with planting – learning the techniques and machines. Then approx. 15 hours of learning how to evaluate seedlings.
• Day Shift until October. Ideally work 8 hours/day. Could possibly work 10 hours from July – December, but the goal is to be able to complete tasks in 8 hours. Must be willing to work overtime and some weekends if necessary.
• Detail oriented with a history of transactional excellence and accuracy
• Willingness and ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Updated Notes –
Overview:

• Candidates will plant and evaluate corn, soybean, and sorghum seeds.
• No prior testing experience is required and all training to be provided.

What they are looking for:

• Strong attention to detail (will be evaluating 50-400 seeds at a time for abnormalities)
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new processes
• Dependability and professionalism
• Reliable Transportation
• Candidates who actively engage during the interview and demonstrate genuine interest in the position.
• Experience in operations, quality, manufacturing, laboratory support agriculture or other hands-on roles is preferred
• Candidates should be comfortable with repetitive, detail-oriented work following established procedures

Interview Feedback: Several reoccurring concerns –

• Inappropriate interview attire (pajamas, shorts, sandals, sweatpants)
• poor engagement or limited communication
• no shows or late arrivals
• inconsistent explanations for tardiness (between candidate & agency)
• Candidates replying on unreliable transportation (keeping rideshares & families waiting)

Attendance & Scheduling Expectations:

• Attendance during training period is critical and candidates should avoid scheduling time off
• During the peak season, extended weekday hours are mandatory.
• Saturday is not mandatory but encouraged (incentives avail).

SPECTRAFORCE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Please contact Human Resources at [email protected] if you require reasonable accommodation.