Laboratory Technician
Job description – November 2026
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Job title |
Laboratory Technician |
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Department |
Quality Assurance / Operations |
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Reports to |
Plant Manager (and Lab Manager, when the position is filled) |
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Location |
Madrid, Nebraska – plant laboratory and process areas |
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Status |
Full-time, hourly (non-exempt) |
Position summary
Laboratory Technicians carry out Mid America Agri Products / Wheatland’s Quality Assurance (QA) program while supporting the policies, goals and objectives of the Company. They sample and test corn, process streams, finished products, water and utilities so that every product leaving the plant meets specification, the plant runs efficiently, and we stay in compliance. The lab’s data is used every day by operators and management to adjust the process and protect yield, quality and carbon-intensity results.
Key responsibilities
- Quality control testing. Run quality control tests on product streams on the schedule set by the QA program, including:
- HPLC analysis of fermentation and process samples (sugars, ethanol, organic acids)
- GC analysis of denaturant/methanol content in the final product.
- Brix (refractometer), specific gravity, solids, pH and moisture (moisture analyzer)
- Water content of ethanol by Karl Fischer titration
- Yeast counts, viability and plate counts (bacterial contamination)
- Other tests as needed or requested by the Plant Manager or Lab Manager
- Product release. Test finished ethanol against ASTM D4806 and customer specifications, and test distillers grains, syrup and corn oil (moisture, fat, protein, free fatty acids). Prepare certificates of analysis and hold any product that is out of specification.
- Incoming corn. Support corn grading – moisture, test weight, damage and mycotoxin screening – as directed.
- Water and environmental analyses. Test boiler, cooling tower, process and well water, and wastewater discharge against permit limits; report any result above limits immediately.
- CO₂ gas quality. Sample and track CO₂ quality at the capture unit (including oxygen) to support Tallgrass pipeline specifications, and flag trends to Operations.
- Testing protocols and SOPs. Establish, document and update testing protocols and standard operating procedures; run standards, duplicates and cross-checks to confirm results.
- Operator training. Train Operators in proper field sampling techniques and make sure samples are taken consistently.
- Communication with Operations. Explain results to Operators and shift leads, recommend process adjustments, and escalate abnormal or out-of-spec results to the Plant Manager.
- Data and records. Enter results accurately the same day and keep records that support quality, regulatory (EPA, TTB, RFS) and carbon-intensity / 45Z reporting.
- Instruments and supplies. Calibrate and maintain lab and field instruments; monitor chemical and supply inventory and request orders.
- Safety and housekeeping. Keep the lab clean, orderly and safe; follow chemical-handling, PPE, lockout and confined-space procedures; take part in the plant safety program.
- Other duties. Complete all tasks assigned by the Plant Manager and Lab Manager, including call-ins and extended hours when needed.
Equipment used
HPLC; Brix refractometer; moisture analyzer; Karl Fischer coulometric titrator; specific-gravity / density meter; microscope and hemocytometer (yeast counts and viability); plating and incubation equipment; pH and conductivity meters; standard lab glassware, balances and Microsoft Excel.
Qualifications
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Laboratory Technician Required |
Laboratory Technician Preferred |
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Education |
High school diploma or GED |
Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, microbiology or chemistry (or associate degree plus 2 years' lab experience) |
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Experience |
Lab or process-industry experience preferred; we will train |
3 years of lab experience preferred, ideally in ethanol, food, water treatment or another process plant |
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Works |
Routine testing under SOPs with direction |
Independently; troubleshoots results, trains others, helps write SOPs |
Preferred skills: HPLC or GC experience; ASTM and QA/QC methods; microbiology technique; attention to detail; clear written and verbal communication; comfortable with Excel and lab software; valid driver’s license.
Working conditions and physical requirements
- Work in the laboratory and throughout the plant, including outdoors in all weather.
- Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, dust, high noise and chemicals used in the process.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds or more, climb stairs and ladders, and stand or walk for long periods.
- May be required to enter confined spaces with small openings, following the plant’s confined-space program.
- Must wear required PPE. Pre-employment physical and drug screen; subject to the Company’s drug and alcohol policy.
This description is not a complete list of duties; the Company may change duties and assignments at any time.
Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland, LLC (MAAP/W) offers highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Wage depends upon experience and qualifications. All potential employees will be required to successfully pass pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment. Please send resume to hr@mabe-ethanol.com or mail your resume to Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland, LLC, PO Box 1655, North Platte, NE 69103.
MAAP/W is an Equal Opportunity Employer
