Lab Technician QA

Company: Butterball
Location: Ratcliff
Posted on: March 22, 2026

Job Description:

Performs standardized qualitative and quantitative assays to identify physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of food products and other samples. Conducts standardized tests on food to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, nutrients, and microbiological content. Performs laboratory preparation activities and analyses to provide useful, accurate technical information to necessary team members. At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We proudly believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily. Whether you choose to work at one of our five (5) manufacturing facilities in NC, AR, MO, farms in AR, NC, and KS, corporate office in NC, IL, or in the field, we believe we have an opportunity for everyone to succeed. At Butterball, we believe in fostering a culture where every team member is valued, has the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to our success. Join us in our Purpose and apply for an opportunity today! Key Responsibilities Receives, logs, and stores laboratory samples. Prepares standard solutions and reagents for use in microbiological/chemical testing. Maintain stock of lab materials. Performs routine maintenance of lab equipment. Performs regular verification/calibration of lab equipment. Monitors product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications. Assesses product to ensure specifications are met and to detect potential problems. This may include tasting, smelling or visual inspection Performs chemical, physical, and/or microbiological analyses of food ingredients, raw and finished food samples, feed, and/or environmental samples using established methods and procedures. Carries out routine laboratory functions, such as sample disposal, equipment checks, cleaning, etc. Enters sample and test data into computer databases to ensure products are meeting published customer service standards. Records and compiles test results and prepares graphs, charts, and reports. Collects samples as needed. Minimum Qualifications (Educations & Experience) 1 years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role and a Highschool diploma, GED, or equivalent - OR - Two Year Degree/ Animal Science, Poultry, Biology, and Microbiology Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Butterball Core Competencies Caring about people, valuing contributions, and empowering to succeed is the Butterball Way. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to Butterball and seek to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Everyone has a seat at the table and is expected to embody our core competencies: Safety First: We put safety first. The health, safety, and well-being of our people, products, and turkeys is everyone's responsibility and everyone's jobs. Integrity: We trust each other to do the right thing. We act with integrity and gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, respect, and authenticity. Stewardship: We take care of what matters. We are accountable to our commitments and take responsibility for the well-being of our teams, our quality, our customers, our business, our brand, and our communities. We are always answerable for our actions and those we lead. Enthusiastic Attitudes: We create a climate where everyone feels they belong and can be engaged, every day. Where our people are enthusiastic and motivated to do their best and work together to make great things happen. Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement. We challenge ourselves and our company to constantly learn, develop, grow, improve, and innovate. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficiency in use of word processing and spreadsheet software Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and their applications Basic understanding and ability to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems Ability to conduct tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance Ability to work with cross-functional teams Demonstrated ability to perform on all test methods, SOP's and instrument calibrations to a level sufficient to perform all assigned work and to be able to train others Good communication skills and ability to work in a team-based environment Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment Skilled at solving routine problems using established standards Detail oriented with the ability to maintain accuracy in data entry Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Bachelor's degree in relevant field Experience in food manufacturing Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Working Conditions & Travel Requirements Work will be performed in a variety of conditions including climate-controlled office and laboratory environment(s); in a manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions, such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions; and in a farm environment including working outdoors in seasonal conditions with live animals and at times in dusty environments. This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment while in the laboratory, manufacturing and farm environment. This individual may be working around sick or diseased animals where additional precautions may need to be taken. The noise level of the office, laboratory and farm environment is usually moderate. The noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection. Showering in and out of farm locations may be required. Occasional travel may be required. Disclaimer We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball's Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Keywords: Butterball, Fort Smith , Lab Technician QA, Science, Research & Development , Ratcliff, Arkansas