Plant Lab Technician

Hours & Shift

This role will initially follow a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday during typical business hours. Beginning in Spring 2026, the schedule is expected to transition to four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday. Please note that this plan may evolve as we continue to grow and adapt the Chilton start-up location

Pay Range & Growth Opportunity

Pay Starting at $23.00/hour

Grande operates under a High-Performance Work Team (HPWT) model; an Associate (employee)-led approach focused on continuous growth, collaboration, and operational excellence. Through our Skill Block system, Associates are placed and progress based on their demonstrated knowledge and abilities, with clear pathways for advancement offering opportunity to grow your skills and responsibilities as you develop within the team.

Job Summary

Plant Lab Technicians perform laboratory tests on various products including dairy and environmental samples. Responsible for providing accurate test results using predetermined, approved methods of analysis and ensuring that results are communicated to our internal customers in a timely and efficient manner. Participate in various internal and external Quality programs, such as SQF and internal auditing, with activities such as data analysis, environmental monitoring, calibration, lab inventory, SOP development, RCA/CAPA investigations, and documentation reviews.

If you're ready to make an impact and grow your career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, join us at the starting line of this exciting new venture. Apply today and help shape the future of dairy manufacturing at Grande!

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting "The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy", Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure they're delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can't be matched. While Grande's reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit - our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company - what we do and how we go about it - or learn more about our beautiful, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com.

Did we convince you yet? If not, check out our unique benefits

• Low-cost onsite clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout the facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Associate cheese purchasing program.
• Two-year mentorship program.
• Paid Parental Leave

Why Chilton?

Located in the heart of Calumet County, Chilton blends small-town charm with big opportunity. With a cost of living 5% below the Wisconsin average and housing prices well below national levels, it's an affordable and attractive place to live, work, and grow your career. Known for its safety, welcoming community, and strong local values, Chilton offers an ideal environment for those seeking to unwind, recharge, and embrace a relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Chilton also features easy access to parks and outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown with local dining and entertainment, and annual festivals that celebrate the area's local culture and community spirit. As the proud home of Grande's newest start-up location, Chilton presents a unique opportunity to be part of something new and impactful, joining an organization dedicated to professional excellence, enriching the lives of our Associates (employees), and fulfilling "a purpose greater than ourselves".

What you need to be considered for the role:

• High School or GED required.
• Associate Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or other related discipline preferred.
• One (1) or more years of prior lab experience and ability to demonstrate knowledge of proper laboratory techniques, whether by job experience or prior education, is strongly preferred.
• Good analytical, math, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills in MS Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel) preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities within a start-up environment.
• Self-Organization Skills.
• Ability to read and use equipment manuals.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions:

This role requires the ability to regularly lift and move objects weighing between 20-50 lbs, as well as frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing, and exposure to vibration. The work environment may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), high humidity, and loud machinery.