Lab Technician (Night Shift)

Who We Are
At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.   
  
Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.   
  
Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPop’ mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.  
  
Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”  

Job Summary
The Laboratory Technician is responsible for conducting microbiological and analytical testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished frozen novelty products. This role supports the facility’s Food Safety Plan by executing environmental monitoring, managing the retains program, and reporting on product quality metrics such as pH, Brix, and temperature.

Essential Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities. 

• Maintain organized records and storage of product retain samples for traceability, shelf-life evaluation, and quality investigations.
• Collect representative samples throughout the production process (incoming ingredients, in-process materials, and final products) according to sampling protocols.
• Execute the process of third-party laboratory testing, including preparing and submitting samples, tracking test progress and results, and coordinating follow-ups to ensure timely and accurate reporting
• Perform routine microbiological tests (e.g., total plate count, coliforms, yeast & mold) on products, raw materials, water, and environmental swabs to ensure food safety compliance.
• Analyze lab data, document findings accurately, and report deviations or test failures to the QA Leads & Supervisors and cross-functional teams in a timely manner
• Test and record key quality attributes such as pH, Brix, viscosity, and weight to ensure products meet specifications.
• Perform environmental swabbing of production areas as part of routine EMP, ensuring samples are taken correctly and logged consistently.
• Assist in monitoring production batches by verifying lot codes, product labeling, and ensuring full traceability from raw materials to finished goods.
• Ensure all laboratory instruments are properly calibrated, cleaned, and maintained according to schedule.
• Participate in quality or food safety investigations by providing lab data and analysis, contributing to root cause identification and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) plans.
• Collaborating with other departments to ensure quality standards are met throughout the entire production process. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in a food or beverage laboratory or quality control lab preferred.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory testing methods, microbiological procedures, and food safety principles.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise testing protocols and documentation requirements.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting lab results and identifying anomalies.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with QA, production, and R&D teams.
• Able to manage multiple samples and tests efficiently in a fast-paced lab environment.
• Familiarity with food safety standards and regulatory requirements such as FSMA, SQF, and GFSI preferred.

Additional Requirements

• PCQI Certification is a plus (we will support certification if needed)
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus. 
• Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.   
• Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

Physical Demands and Work Environment  
Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in regular office conditions, a laboratory environment, production, inside a cooler or in a warehouse. 

Expected Pay Range: $20-$25/hr
 

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

Medical/Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Hsa

Fsa

Dcfsa

Life & AD&D Insurance

Short & Long Term Disability

Fto/Pto

Eap Programs

Paid Holidays

Employee Referral Program

Sick & Safe Leave

401k

Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form on bonuses and/or commissions.