Lab Associate Jobs in Sioux City, IA (NOW HIRING)

Company: Wells Enterprises (a Ferrero Company)

Functional Area: Quality

The Role

Under general supervision, performs microbiological and chemical analysis on finished product, raw materials, processing and environmental samples from manufacturing plants. Provides accurate laboratory testing to detect and enumerate organisms of interest by product in compliance with the ISO 17025 regulatory standards. Prepares media and reagents as required.

What You'll Do

• Prepares and analyzes samples according to Standard Operating Procedures, FDABAM procedures, and Standard methods for the Examination of Dairy Products. Performs procedures for quality control and quality assurance of all lab analyses.
• Accurately reads, interprets, records, and reports the results of laboratory tests. Reviews laboratory documentation before results are sent to appropriate departments to ensure accuracy.
• Performs proficiency testing on unknown specimens/allergens.
• Performs testing following good lab practices while following prescribed safety principles in general and specialty areas of the laboratory including (but not limited to) pathogen testing, bacterial confirmations, special request testing, allergen testing, quantitative analysis.
• Prepares media in accordance with the guidelines set out by the AOAC Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, the FDA BAM Manual, and the Wells' Corporate Lab Media SOP's to meet the demands of the microbiology laboratory. Ensures that all media is properly handled, sterilized, and stored. Documents media preparation as required by the Microbiology SOP's.
• Performs, daily, weekly or monthly calibration checks of laboratory test equipment.
• Cleans and maintains all laboratory equipment including but not limited to pipettors, scales, metric dispensers, storage equipment, incubators and refrigerators; responsible for general upkeep of laboratory. Maintains laboratory inventories of supplies, media, and reagents.
• Responsible for proper disposal of retained samples, and biohazardous materials.

Wells Enterprises, a Ferrero company, is one of the largest ice cream manufacturers in the United States and the maker of well-loved brands including Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics and today Trolli, Butterfinger 100grand, Baby Ruth, Nutella and Kinder Bueno. 

Wells Enterprises is a 2 billion company employing 4,000 employees, across 4 production plants and 2 main hub locations, Chicago and Le Mars. Guided by innovation, quality, and a people-first mindset, Wells is committed to delighting consumers and developing exceptional teams.

As part of the Ferrero Group, Wells combines its strong U.S. heritage with Ferrero's global standards of excellence, offering a unique opportunity to grow within a dynamic, values-driven, and international environment.

At Wells, our people-and their experience-sit at the heart of our ambition.  Learn more at www.wellsenterprisesinc.com.

What We Offer

At Wells, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance.  Learn more about our benefits here. 

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in the areas of Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science, or Associate's Degree with 1-3 years of experience is preferred.
• Must be fully trained in all lab testing/reading, complete all safety training on the job.
• Practices and principles of basic laboratory operations, techniques and procedures utilized in areas of microbiology and chemistry.
• Effective teamwork and communication, both written and verbal skills. 
• Strong attention to detail, process flow and accuracy. 
• Lab and computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Safely and effectively operates lab equipment. 
• Accurately evaluate color shades and quality. 
• Ability to function in a fast-paced work environment.
• Reports to: Corporate Lab Supervisor.
• Direct Reports: N/A.
• Indirect Reports: N/A.

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis