Play a key role in ensuring food safety & quality for millions of Australians

Permanent Full-Time | $60k–$65k + Super | Career Pathway

Based in Lockwood (Bendigo), Victoria – Free Parking Onsite

About Us

At Hazeldenes, we have more than 80 years of history underpinning how we proudly go about our business. It’s not just about our delicious chickens, innovation, and commitment to quality—it’s about our people doing extraordinary things to deliver great products.

We are proud of our people, our reputation, and our place in the community. From humble beginnings in Kangaroo Flat in Bendigo, our facilities have spread across rural Victoria. Our people come from many different cultures and backgrounds and have skills ranging from farming and quality control to engineering and poultry processing.

The Role

We are looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Lab Technician to join our QA team. In this role, you will play a vital part in upholding our commitment to product safety and excellence by conducting microbiological testing, monitoring critical control points, and maintaining documentation to support our quality systems.

Working closely with the QA Manager, QA Coordinator, and broader operational teams, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of food safety outcomes and ensure our customers receive the highest quality products.

Key Responsibilities

Testing

Preparation of media for microbiological testing

Perform microbiological testing of finished product and shelf-life testing of product

Perform sensory evaluations as required

Environmental swab testing of surfaces as required (early morning start)

Receiving, processing, and preparing samples for analysis, including labelling, aliquoting, and plating.

Ensure the laboratory is clean, organized, and safe, adhering to safety protocols and procedures.

Monitoring

Monitor and document performance of all products from receival of raw material to load out of product, including additional aspects such as pre operational hygiene and sanitation. Collate and monitor data to indicate trend of product performances

Product Identification and Rotation

Performing routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.

Compliance

Perform product testing on finished products, in process products, time/temperature measures, storage conditions, packaging and ingredients received from approved suppliers to ensure that customer specifications are met

Perform shelf-life testing on finished products, in process products, time/temperature measures, storage conditions, packaging and ingredients received from approved suppliers to ensure that customer specifications are met

Perform daily Sensory evaluations on finished products to ensure that customer specifications are met

Complete documentation as required

Occupational Health & Safety

Follow all systems and processes to ensure that OHS requirements are met

Follow the pre-defined process to report any incidents and hazards that occur

Reporting

Prepare regular written reports based on analysis of various product testing

Accurately recording all the test results, observations, and quality control data in laboratory management system.

Data entry of analysis of product testing as required

Perform any duties as directed from the QA Manager

Quality System

Follow all Company Quality processes to ensure that all quality standards are met

Ensure that customer specifications are met

Provide advice and guidance to all staff, Supervisors and Managers in the interpretation of the Quality System and requirements

Assist in developing and maintaining Quality documentation to ensure current and up to date information is available upon request

About You

We’re seeking someone who is proactive, detail-focused, and passionate about quality assurance. You’ll also bring:

Previous experience in a QA/Lab Technician role (advantageous)

Qualifications in science or food technology (desirable but not essential)

High attention to detail and strong written/verbal communication

Dedication to Good Laboratory Practices and workplace safety

Ability to work early starts (for swab testing)

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary: $60k–$65k + Super

Career progression in a growing business

Mental health & wellbeing programs including EAP

Discounted company products and free onsite parking

Supportive, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace culture

Make a real impact in the food production industry

How to Apply:

If you would like to join our dynamic team and be a part of our ongoing success, then click “Apply" to submit your resume and a cover letter.

We proudly embrace and promote cultural diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity within the workplace. Indigenous Australians, Torres Strait Islanders, and minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Note: Applications will only be considered for candidates who have the right to work in Australia without restrictions or sponsorship.

HR Hazeldenes