Sample Lab Technician

Jensen Meat Company Inc•San Diego, CA

5h•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Jensen Meat Company is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Sample Lab Technician to support Sales, Product Development, Operations, and customer initiatives through the preparation, coordination, and distribution of product samples across the Beef, Plant-Based, and Fresh divisions. This role serves as a critical liaison between departments to ensure samples are accurately prepared, documented, cooked, packaged, and delivered according to customer specifications and business timelines. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills, and is comfortable supporting customer evaluations, product demonstrations, trade shows, and cross-functional business initiatives.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
One to three years of experience in sample coordination, food production support, customer service, administrative support, or a related role preferred.
Experience working in a food manufacturing environment is preferred.
Experience supporting customer presentations, product demonstrations, or trade shows is a plus.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Experience with ERP systems such as PLEX and Microsoft Access preferred.
Ability to follow written instructions and standardized procedures.
Strong customer service mindset with a collaborative approach.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility to support special events, customer visits, and trade shows when needed.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout office, kitchen, laboratory, and production environments.
Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds occasionally.
Ability to safely handle food products and operate cooking equipment.
Ability to work in refrigerated and food production environments when required.
Ability to travel locally to support company events, trade shows, and customer presentations as needed.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Business, Food Science, Culinary Arts, Logistics, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, review, prioritize, and process internal and external sample requests.
Coordinate sample requests across Beef, Plant-Based, and Fresh product categories.
Enter and manage sample orders in PLEX, Microsoft Access, and other company systems.
Verify product specifications, quantities, packaging requirements, and delivery timelines.
Create, review, and apply all required labels, documentation, and shipping materials.
Prepare and cook product samples according to established procedures and customer specifications.
Package and organize samples for shipment, customer pickup, internal evaluations, and presentations.
Coordinate with Production, Operations, Product Development, and other departments to ensure timely sample availability.
Schedule and support cook-and-look evaluations, product demonstrations, and customer tastings.
Monitor sample inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs.
Enforce sample request lead times and communicate expectations to internal stakeholders and customers.
Maintain organized records of sample requests, shipments, and related documentation.
Serve as the primary point of contact regarding sample requests and scheduling.
Communicate sample status updates, timelines, and priorities to Sales, Management, and internal departments.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer evaluations, product launches, and business initiatives.
Assist in resolving issues related to sample preparation, scheduling, or delivery.
Support customer visits, product demonstrations, and special projects as needed.
Support the preparation, cooking, presentation, and transportation of products for trade shows, conferences, customer meetings, and company-sponsored events.
Assist with event setup, logistics, and product presentation activities.
Coordinate with Sales and Product Development teams to ensure products are prepared and presented according to specifications.
Support marketing and customer engagement initiatives through sample preparation and event participation.
Participate in cross-training initiatives to develop knowledge of related operational and administrative functions.
Provide backup support during employee absences or periods of increased workload.
Serve as a backup for order processing activities, including order entry, verification, and coordination with internal departments.
Assist with order tracking and fulfillment support as needed.
Serve as a backup for invoicing functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of customer invoices and supporting documentation.
Assist with data entry, record maintenance, reporting, and general administrative tasks.
Support departmental projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned to support business operations.
Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety requirements, and company sanitation procedures.
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary sample preparation and storage area.
Ensure proper product handling, storage, temperature control, and traceability throughout the sample preparation process.
Adhere to all workplace safety policies and procedures when handling food products, equipment, and chemicals.
Assist with audits, inspections, and documentation related to sample activities as needed.