Product Testing Technician - Animal Nutrition

About the role

The Technician will support both the Sensory and Product Experience function and the Technical Applications Group. This hands-on role involves sample collection and preparation, sensory test setup, basic physical testing, and maintaining work areas across consumer sensory and analytical environments. The position requires strong communication skills, the ability to follow detailed protocols, and comfort working with pet food, including cat litter and soiled samples. The Technician will interact with consumers and employees from different teams in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pet food, litter, and soiled litter samples for consumer and sensory testing according to study protocols.
• Record, label, and store incoming product samples appropriately.
• Prepare sample cups and serving supplies for sensory panels and consumer studies.
• Serve sensory panels following detailed serving instructions.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including storage areas.
• Comply with standard operating procedures, methods, and policies.
• Assist in packaging and shipping products for external tests or clients.
• Support external consumer study preparation and execution.
• Conduct physical preparation and analysis of material samples.
• Apply appropriate sample reduction techniques to ensure representative test portions.
• Assist with litter sample preparation for sensory and consumer testing under guidance.
• Maintain accurate records of sample handling and processing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid Driver's License and Proof of Insurance.
• Reliable and consistent transportation for occasional off-site testing approximately 6 miles from the office.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods as needed.
• Comfortable working with pet care products, including soiled litter and pet food samples.
• Comfortable interacting professionally with a variety of people, including consumers and employees from different teams.
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).

Additional skills & qualifications

• Experience with standard operating procedures (SOPs), methods, and policies.
• Experience with animal handling, animal science, veterinary, or animal health is beneficial.
• Customer service skills.

Work environment

The position is onsite with working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Tuesday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, totaling 35-40 hours a week. Occasional offsite panels are located approximately less than 5 miles from the headquarters. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Joseph, MO.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $19.74/hr.