Food Lab Technician / Chemist

Location: Visalia, CA
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday
Company: Confidential Agricultural Company

A leading agricultural organization in Visalia is seeking a Food Lab Technician / Chemist to support laboratory testing tied to fruit processing, quality, and post-harvest performance. This is a hands-on lab role ideal for candidates passionate about food science, chemistry, and ensuring product quality from harvest through storage.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform laboratory testing and analysis on fruit and food-related samples throughout production and processing stages.
• Conduct routine quality tests such as Brix, pH, acidity, moisture, color, and firmness.
• Prepare samples and follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Accurately record test results and maintain detailed lab documentation.
• Identify out-of-spec results and communicate findings to Quality and Operations teams.
• Support quality assurance, food safety, and compliance programs.
• Assist with shelf-life studies, storage condition testing, and trial evaluations.
• Maintain, clean, and calibrate lab equipment properly.
• Follow GLP, GMP, and safety standards at all times.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, QA, and technical teams.

Lab Equipment & Technical Skills:

Experience with some or all of the following is strongly preferred:

• pH meters and refractometers (Brix testing).
• Analytical and precision balances.
• Titration equipment.
• Spectrophotometers (UV-Vis experience is a plus).
• Basic chromatography familiarity (HPLC or GC is a plus).
• Pipettes (manual and electronic), centrifuges, stir plates, and hot plates.
• Sample preparation tools such as homogenizers, grinders, or blenders.
• Strong documentation and data-entry practices.

What We’re Looking For:

• Education or experience in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a food, agricultural, or manufacturing lab environment preferred.
• Understanding of food quality testing and laboratory best practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to follow written protocols and work independently.
• Comfortable working in both lab and production-adjacent environments.