Job Description

General Pet Supply


Work Location: WI - Chilton
Job Code: 10281


Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), a leading innovator, marketer, and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn, and garden supplies markets, is seeking an Associate Research Scientist for our Central Pet Specialty team working with Aqueon, Kaytee and Zilla brands. This position can be supported out of either of two locations: our Franklin, WI site which is located 20 miles south of Milwaukee, WI or our Chilton, WI location which is 37 miles south of Green Bay, WI.

The Associate Research Scientist will be part of the Central Pet Specialty Innovation team and report directly to our Pet Nutritionist focused on enhancing the lives of pets and pet owners through the development of consumable pet products such as food, treats and bedding. The role utilizes scientific methodologies to support the development of new pet products, expansion of existing product lines, food safety and quality programs across fish, pet bird, small animal, reptile, and wild bird categories. The Associate Research Scientist provides a supporting role in various projects or independently perform small research projects as needed. This position works closely with our marketing, operations, quality, and regulatory teams. Responsibilities will also include working to support social media, ornithology, veterinary & regulatory communities.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Conduct product testing to support product claims (shelf life, palatability, ect.) and ensure safety, quality and regulatory compliance are met.
• Possess a basic knowledge of testing methodology including nutrient analysis, microbial testing, toxin screening and product attribute testing.
• Work directly with sales, marketing and regulatory in developing product concepts including potential claims.
• Collaborate with operations to scale-up product prototypes through the commercialization phase and provide support for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with quality and regulatory teams to assure regulatory compliance (AAFCO, FSMA).
• Review packaging proof for package weight, ingredients, guarantee analysis, claims, and participate in package review process.
• Contribute to key product improvements, cost reductions, new products, development, knowledge building or other technically based business driven objectives.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

• B.S. or higher degree in Pet Food Extrusion, Feed Manufacturing, Food Technology, Food Science, Nutrition, Zoology or Animal Science.
• N utritional knowledge including basic food science principles, metabolism, diet formulation and pet food processing (extrusion, pelleting).
• Working knowledge of FSMA, USDA, AAFCO and related regulations.
• Must be detail oriented and organized.
• Must have excellent communication and computer skills. Must be able to create, edit and manipulate EXCEL files.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Combination of office and plant environment; safety glasses and steel toe shoes are required while in plant environment.
• Hours will generally be regular business hours and average at least 40 hours a week. There may be some variation in work hours due to training schedule, overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

ABOUT US:

At Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA), we believe home is at the center of our lives, and our employees are driven by our purpose to nurture happy and healthy homes. Our company is made up of thousands of people across North America, with an emerging footprint across the U.K., Mexico, China, and Canada - all dedicated to helping gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. We are united by our mission to lead the future of the garden and pet industries…one blade of grass and one wagging tail at a time.

We look forward to what our future holds and invite you to see if our home is right for you! Visit our website at www.central.com 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.

#LI-CM1