Sample Prep Technician - Contract

This is a contract position providing services to Nestle in the USA through a third-party staffing services organization. If you are selected for this role, you will be an employee of a third-party staffing partner and not Nestle in the USA.

Job ID: 276066

SUMMARY: The Sample Prep Technician will be working in the Nestle Purina R&D department, supporting both the sensory team and the culinary team. This is a hands-on position that involves sample collection and preparation, setup, cleaning and maintaining sensory/culinary facilities. The job requires the ability to communicate often in a group setting effectively with consumers.

"The approximate hourly pay for this position is $21-23/hour. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position."
HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM
- Occasionally the culinary department will have events or presentations that will extend the hours until 4 PM on some days (we would give 1-2 week notice of these)
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SENSORY SUPPORT:
- Prepare pet food and soiled litter samples for routine consumer and/or sensory tests according to specifications from researchers.
- Record incoming products, label products, and place samples in appropriate storage locations.
- Serve sensory panels following detailed instructions.
- Label sample cups and prepare serving supplies for panel testing.
- Maintain a clean work environment, including assigned product/equipment storage areas.
- Comply with appropriate SOPs and methods and established policies and procedures.
- Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Other tasks as assigned, which may include cleaning product/equipment storage areas, packaging, and shipping products to clients or other testing sites
- Assistance with outside consumer study preparation/execution
- Additional responsibilities as directed.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CULINARY SUPPORT:
- Washing dishes and cook-ware (hand washing and using dish machine)
- Returning cleaned equipment to the proper place
- Cleaning work surfaces (counters, doors, sinks, etc.) and storage shelves
- Cleaning floors
- Cleaning equipment (large and small appliances, racks, filters, grates)
- Basic food preparation (human and pet), possessing knowledge of safe food handling.
- Recording cook and cooling temperatures
- Quietly and efficiently serving and clearing plates during on-site presentations and sensory panel evaluations
- Safely and efficiently portion food in containers for off-site presentations
- Additional responsibilities as directed.
- Dress code for kitchen and/or presentations *closed-toe nonslip shoes, black/dark full-length pants. Manager provides kitchen shirt.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Flexibility to adapt to change in weekly support as needed
- Must be comfortable standing throughout their shift, and able to lift to 35 lbs.
- Comfortability taking direction from sensory manager, culinary manager, Sr. Technician and Scientist
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of high school diploma or a GED equivalent certificate from a certified institution required
- Minimum of 1 year(s) of related work or volunteer experience and/or training; Safe Serve certified a plus.
- Valid Driver's License and Proof of Insurance
- Must have reliable and consistent transportation for occasional off-site testing days (consumer testing done 6 miles from St. Louis office during regular working hours)
- Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship

Please note this contract position provides services to Nestle in the USA on a temporary basis in connection with a specific assignment. Contractors in this position are hired and employed through Nestle's third-party staffing partner.