1

Weekend Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Microbiology Lab Technician

Mason City, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of lab procedures and techniques. * Knowledge of microbiology, preparation of culture ... Mon -Fri :7:00am -3:00pm, work on rotational weekends and holidays (rotates within the team every ...

Cardiac Cath Lab- Downtown * Shift: 7am - 3:30pm plus call * Job ID: 182403 Overview UnityPoint-St ... Will be on call for off-shifts and weekends. Must meet requirements for standby call which includes ...

Lab Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$41.60K - $45.80K/yr

Demonstrates sufficient computer skills to utilize lab instrument operation programs. Familiarity with current commercial software applications (Excel, Word)Experience with lab documentation.

Cath Lab Technologist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.28K - $3K/wk

Hours may be variable based on department needs, daytime hours, 8-hour shifts, no weekends, no holidays, no call Provides direct patient care for patients and families in the Cath Lab Prep and ...

Behind every accurate test result is a Lab Support Technician who keeps the lab moving - if you're ready to be the heartbeat of the laboratory, we want to hear from you! Why UnityPoint Health? At ...

Join the Boone County Hospital Lab team today! We offer a team approachto healthcare and patient care is priority! Status: PRN, as needed Shift: Variable Shift Time Schedule: Variable Days: Variable ...

Lab Assistant-PRN

Boone, IA · On-site

$17 - $21.70/hr

Join the Boone County Hospital Lab team today! We offer a team approachto healthcare and patient care is priority! Status: PRN, as needed Shift: Variable Shift Time Schedule: Variable Days: Variable ...

Lab Technician We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team and contribute to ensuring product quality through precise sample preparation and analytical testing using both instrumental ...

Lab Tech

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$22/hr

Lab Technician We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team and contribute to ensuring product quality through precise sample preparation and analytical testing using both instrumental ...

Be Seen First

Biology Lab Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are looking for a Lab Technician for a research lab in our company, located in Johnston, Iowa. With guidance from supervision, this person will assist technical personnel in general laboratory ...

Demonstrates sufficient computer skills to utilize lab instrument operation programs. Familiarity with current commercial software applications (Excel, Word)Experience with lab documentation.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weekend Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do weekend lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend lab in Iowa is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weekend Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and at least an associate degree or certification in laboratory science. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and reliable laboratory operations during weekend shifts.

What are some unique challenges faced by professionals working in a Weekend Lab position?

Professionals in a Weekend Lab role often encounter challenges such as managing time-sensitive experiments with limited weekday support and adapting to a quieter, sometimes solitary work environment. Being responsible for ongoing research or diagnostic work during weekends requires strong organization and the ability to troubleshoot issues independently. Collaboration with weekday staff is essential, so clear documentation and effective communication are key to ensuring continuity and data integrity across shifts.

What is a Weekend Lab job?

A Weekend Lab job typically refers to a laboratory technician or assistant position where the primary work schedule falls on weekends. Employees in this role are responsible for performing lab tests, managing samples, maintaining equipment, and recording data, often in hospitals, research facilities, or diagnostic labs. Weekend Lab staff play a critical part in ensuring continuous laboratory operations, especially when full-time weekday staff are unavailable. These positions may require technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Weekend Lab jobs are ideal for individuals seeking flexible work hours or supplemental income.

What is the difference between Weekend Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectWeekend LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or training specific to weekend shiftsRequires an associate degree in medical laboratory technology and certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories operating on weekend schedules, often in hospitals or clinicsHospitals, clinics, or diagnostic labs during regular or weekend hours
Industry UsageUsed in healthcare settings needing weekend coverageStandard role in medical diagnostics and lab testing

Weekend Lab roles focus on providing laboratory services during weekends, often requiring specific certifications for weekend work. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform diagnostic tests in healthcare labs, usually with formal education and certification. While both work in lab environments, Weekend Lab positions are tailored for weekend shifts, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians work throughout the week. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their credentials and scheduling preferences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Weekend Lab jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Weekend Lab job openings:
Microbiology Lab Technician

Microbiology Lab Technician

Cargill

Mason City, IA • On-site

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 215 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 48 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.
This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Microbiology Laboratory Technician will assist with tests performed in the laboratory and in production. In this role, you will ensure all testing is performed in accordance with standards, laboratory procedures and established company guidelines.
Key Accountabilities
  • Sample set up including preparation of culture media, decontamination of wastes and performing monthly environmental tests in the laboratory and in production.
  • Performs microbiological testing as per scope and miscellaneous tests as assigned by Laboratory Supervisor.
  • Identify nonconformities, potential nonconformities and laboratory process improvements on a continuous basis and report results to customers.
  • Maintain the laboratory environment and supplies including inventory of reagents, monitoring and maintenance of equipment, rotation of media stocks and disposal of retain samples.
  • Handle complex clerical, administrative, technical or customer support issues under minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma, secondary education level or equivalent
  • Knowledge of lab procedures and techniques.
  • Knowledge of microbiology, preparation of culture media, laboratory equipment and basic laboratory techniques.
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in microbiology, lab or food science.
  • Knowledge of ISO 17025 or Quality Management Systems.
  • Ability to follow directions and work with minimal supervision.
  • Analytical, well organized and detail oriented.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Strong level of competence with Microsoft Word, Excel and additional types of software.
  • Related work experience working in a microbiology laboratory within the food industry.

Position information:
  • Relocation will not be provided for this position
  • Work schedule:Mon -Fri :7:00am -3:00pm, work on rotational weekends and holidays (rotates within the team every weekend)
  • Willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Position is based in Mason City, Iowa

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet

What Cargill employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cargill logo

About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US