Job Description

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting Veterinary Diagnostics Lab Technician opportunity. As a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Technician, your primary role is to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of diagnostic testing and sample data related to swine diseases, particularly Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). You will be responsible for preparing diagnostic samples, performing molecular laboratory assays such as RNA extraction and real-time PCR (qPCR) testing, and validating laboratory results to support health monitoring and disease management programs. Your ability to maintain strict quality control standards, accurately interpret diagnostic results, and support veterinary teams with reliable data will be essential to improving herd health outcomes and operational efficiency across Seaboard Foods production systems.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh® pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Kansas City’s Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.

• Sample Preparation: Receive and log diagnostic samples, including serum and fluids. Prepare samples through centrifugation and aliquoting to ensure suitability for diagnostic testing.
• Laboratory Testing: Perform standardized diagnostic assays including RNA extraction and qPCR testing for detection of swine pathogens according to laboratory SOPs.
• Data Validation and Integrity: Ensure all laboratory data is accurately recorded, validated, and stored securely within laboratory databases or information systems to maintain traceability and compliance.
• Technical Interpretation: Review amplification curves, Ct values, and control results to identify valid results, anomalies, or potential assay issues, and communicate findings to laboratory supervisors or veterinary staff.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed laboratory records including test procedures, sample tracking logs, and diagnostic results. Prepare clear reports for veterinary and production teams.
• Quality Control and Calibration: Maintain laboratory equipment including qPCR instruments, centrifuges, and extraction systems. Perform routine calibration and quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
• Process Improvement: Support initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and turnaround times.
• Compliance and Safety: Follow all laboratory biosafety procedures, biosecurity protocols, and regulatory requirements related to handling biological samples and performing diagnostic testing.
• Collaboration with Veterinary Operations: Work closely with swine veterinarians, laboratory managers, and farm personnel to align diagnostic results with herd health monitoring programs.
• Data Integration: Assist with integrating diagnostic test results with herd health data systems to support disease surveillance and herd health management strategies.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Proven experience in a laboratory is required, with a background in sample preparation and diagnostic testing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to accurately interpret diagnostic data, including the review of amplification curves and Ct values to ensure result validity.
• Proficiency in data management and entry (Excel is required; familiarity with laboratory information systems is preferred).
• High level of attention to detail and a commitment to following strict biosecurity and safety protocols.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to document procedures and report findings clearly to the veterinary team.
• Capability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced diagnostic environment, including the handling of biological samples and use of required PPE.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; must be able to prioritize urgent samples and manage multiple tasks independently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds and sometimes push/and or move up to 300 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is commonly exposed to airborne particles and gases at low concentrations. The employee is frequently exposed to waste material, feed and hog dust.
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.