Job Description

Pay Range: $26.60 to $33.25 per hour

** Purpose of Position:**

The Associate Chemist is responsible for performing complex chemical analyses in support of poultry production, food safety, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures high-quality, timely, and accurate analytical testing of poultry products, raw materials, water, feed, and sanitation chemicals. The Associate Chemist helps in maintaining USDA & ELAP accreditations, also supports management, method development, staff training, and other quality system compliances as required.

** Essential Job Functions:**

** Key Responsibilities:**

• Chemical Analysis : Perform routine and non-routine testing of poultry-related matrices, including, Proximate analysis, Minerals & Metals, Waste & Ranch Waters, and Pesticide analysis, etc. Operate and maintain related equipment used in the analysis.
• Method Development : Assist in developing, validating, and optimizing new chemical testing methods in accordance with regulatory standards and internal procedures.
• Compliance & Accreditation: Follow internal SOPs to maintain USDA & ELAP accreditation. Maintain proper documentation and traceability.
• Technical Leadership: Assist in cross training technicians on new methods as advised by management and ensure best practices are followed.
• Data Management: Review, interpret, and report analytical results with precision and data integrity.
• Safety & Waste Management: Adhere to chemical hygiene and hazardous waste handling protocols. Promote a safe lab environment. Assist in storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Quality Control: Implement and monitor internal quality control procedures, including the review of QC charts, duplicate testing, reference standards, and corrective actions for out-of-spec results.
• Workflow Prioritization : Assist management and lab team members to prioritize testing to ensure high-throughput and time-sensitive samples are handled efficiently.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the management.

Qualifications

** Requirements:**

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in analytical chemistry, preferably in a food or poultry testing laboratory
• Strong knowledge of wet chemistry techniques and experience with QC practices
• Familiarity with ELAP, and USDA regulatory standards
• Experience with SAP, COA generation, and data integrity best practices
• Proven ability to prioritize work, lead small teams, and communicate effectively

** Preferred Skills & Experience:**

• Experience leading workflow scheduling or sample triage in a high-throughput lab
• Familiarity with test cost analysis and efficiency metrics
• Experience coordinating or participating in proficiency testing programs
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational abilities

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Foster Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities, Females, Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Foster Farms participates in E-Verify during the hire process at all locations for all new Team Members.