Operator

Job Title: Laboratory Technician (Entry-Level)Location: Tipton, IN 46072100% OnsiteDuration: 06-Month Contract Compensation & ScheduleSchedule: 40 hours per week + Overtime (July – December)Shift: Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PMTraining ProgramComprehensive training will be provided and includes:Planting procedures and operation of laboratory equipmentApproximately 15 hours of seedling evaluation trainingCross-training in multiple laboratory functionsTraining is designed to prepare employees to independently evaluate commercial corn, planting corn, and soybean samples.Important: Attendance is mandatory during the first 30 days of training. Candidates should not have any planned vacations, appointments, or other time-off requests during this period. Overtime RequirementsOvertime is expected during the July through December peak season. Candidates must be willing to work:Extended shifts (up to 10 hours per day, when required)Overtime hoursSaturdays and weekends based on business needsRequired QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED requiredBasic computer skillsStrong attention to detail and accuracyAbility to follow established procedures and work instructionsGood communication and teamwork skillsAbility to work efficiently in a fast-paced laboratory environmentAbility to lift up to 30 lbs.Willingness to work overtime, extended hours, Saturdays, and weekends as business needs requireKey ResponsibilitiesPerform quality testing procedures in accordance with ISTA, AOSA, and established sampling guidelines.Conduct quality evaluations on agricultural seed samples, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum.Perform standard seed germination testing by preparing seed samples, placing them into germination equipment, evaluating seedlings as live, dead, or abnormal, and accurately recording results using a tablet.Verify, document, and maintain quality testing results with a high degree of accuracy.Ensure all testing activities comply with laboratory procedures and Quality Plan requirements.Assist in monitoring the proper operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment while adhering to all Safety & Health guidelines and housekeeping standards.Cross-train in additional laboratory functions to support operational needs during high-volume periods.Identify opportunities to improve productivity, testing methods, and quality processes while reducing unnecessary testing.Communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with laboratory and site personnel.Work EnvironmentFast-paced, high-energy laboratory settingTeam environment consisting of approximately 30–50 employeesCombination of independent and team-based assignmentsRequires prolonged periods of sitting and/or standingFrequent repetitive hand and arm movementsPerformance ExpectationsEmployees are evaluated based on: Accuracy, Productivity, Speed, Attendance and Overall job performanceThe expected productivity goal is to consistently achieve and maintain 65 evaluations (reps) per hour while meeting established quality standards. Training & Performance IncentivesEvaluation Completion IncentiveEmployees who successfully complete the independent evaluation of commercial corn, planting corn, and soybean samples within the expected 2–3 week training period will receive: $0.50/hour pay increasePerformance IncentiveEmployees who successfully achieve and consistently maintain the required productivity standard of 65 evaluations (reps) per hour within approximately three weeks after completing training will receive: Additional $1.00/hour pay increaseProductivity Bonus – Peak SeasonCold Corn EvaluationIncentive Period: August 10 – September 11Employees who achieve the following performance standards will receive a $50 weekly productivity bonus: Average 65 or more evaluations (reps) per hour and Zero quality errorsWarm Corn EvaluationIncentive Period: October 1 – November 7Employees who achieve the following performance standards will receive a $50 weekly productivity bonus: Average 80 or more evaluations (reps) per hour and Zero quality errorsAttendance Bonus – Peak SeasonWeekly Attendance BonusIncentive Period: September 28 – November 6Employees will receive a $75 weekly attendance bonus by meeting all of the following requirements:Work every scheduled shift during the incentive period.Maintain perfect attendance with no attendance occurrences, including:TardinessLeaving work earlyExcused or unexcused absencesPlanned or unplanned absencesOverall Attendance BonusEmployees who meet all of the following criteria throughout the peak season will receive an additional one-time $75 attendance bonus:Work all required overtime.Work all scheduled Saturdays.Maintain zero absences throughout the incentive period.