Lab Technician; 1st Shift

Acting under the supervision of the manager, the Lab Tech will perform both routine and specialized sample preparation and analysis. The Lab Tech plays a crucial role in a laboratory setting to support scientists, engineers, and the R&D department in the development of new products, and testing of new ingredients and processes. This role involves assisting in testing, data collection and analysis, and general lab maintenance.

This position is being offered 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Thursday, with availability to work weekends on an as‑needed basis.

• Work with Lab Manager to ensure ongoing quality of raw materials and finished goods.
• Perform day‑to‑day lab operations in a dog chew and treat production facility – including sample collection and testing, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining instruments within working specifications.
• Perform sample analysis in a timely fashion, meeting any applicable analytical holding times and project due dates.
• Keep accurate documentation on all sample data and analytical conditions under which analysis was performed.
• Perform and document daily calibration checks and document routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintaining records accurately, neatly, legibly, and completely to meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager to ensure the safe handling of laboratory waste disposal to meet necessary municipal, state, and federal guidelines.
• Oversee inventory for lab supplies to ensure inventory levels of all supplies in response to the volume of samples throughout the week are maintained.
• Able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

• 1+ years’ experience in an analytical/QC lab role, preferably in a production environment.
• BS in Chemistry or other science with any scientific industry experience.
• Proficient in basic lab techniques like following protocols and good manufacturing practices, pipetting, etc.
• Able to meet the requirements of a dynamic production environment.
• Able to manage and plan time to be efficient in completing tasks.
• Super organizational and project planning skills.
• Proficient in Word and Excel. Strong Excel and MS Office skills are a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication. Must be able to write, read, and speak English. (Bilingual a plus).

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, Ferry~Morse, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H, Nylabone and Pennington, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit  to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.