Job Description

TECHNICIAN OR SENIOR TECHNICIAN - SENSORY EMPHASIS - RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (AUSTIN, MN)

About Hormel Foods — 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts.  For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

This position reports to the Product Development Leader.

This position will be awarded as Sensory Technician or Senior Sensory Technician level depending on qualifications. 

Relocation is not eligible for this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The person in this position works independently:

• Implements & administers sensory testing of the various Hormel products.  Tasks include scheduling sensory panels, setting up sensory tests in software, distributing samples to panelists, analyzing results from the sensory tests, and sharing results with Hormel brand teams.
• Executes the sensory tests using complex procedures in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Recruits employees and/or community members for sensory evaluation panels.  Tasks include managing the panelist database, recruiting new panelists & recruiting panelists for sensory tests.
• Responsible for proper and safe operation and maintenance of all relevant equipment in the Sensory Kitchen.  Tasks include maintaining panel booths & computers, securing & maintaining necessary supplies, and maintaining all relevant equipment in the sensory kitchen.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates use of strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates analytical & problem solving skills.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the Microsoft Windows environment including Microsoft Office platform - Excel, Outlook, Word & PowerPoint.
• Demonstrates proficiency in conducting virtual meetings like Microsoft Teams.
• Capable of working several hours in a 38°F cooler or for short periods of time in a 0°F freezer. 
• Capable of standing for extended periods of time.
• Capable of regularly lifting 20-30 lbs. and, on occasion, may lift up to 50 lbs.

• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require sponsorship for a work visa

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer

• Must be 18 years of age or older 

Preferred

• Scientific aptitude &/or food science experience.
• Advanced computer skills including knowledge of spreadsheets, databases &/or other commonly used windows programs.
• Knowledge of lab management and/or sensory software.
• Servsafe certification. 
• Knowledge of the metric system.

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range.  The base hiring pay range for this role is $20.25- $30.75, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location. 

Other components of Hormel Foods’ total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, earned paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.