PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma required.
• Degree in related field or related lab experience preferred.
• Must have experience with personal computers and software.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal skills needed.
• Strongly recommended being able to work with very minimal supervision and use own judgment.
• Must develop good knowledge of the plant to lead plant wide microbiological programs and in problem solving.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED Preferred.
• Previous Manufacturing Experience Preferred.
• Seeking individuals who work well with teams, are goal oriented, and enjoy satisfaction in performing a job well done.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds infrequently, with or without reasonable accommodations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs daily microbiological analysis on finished products and raw materials, including SPC, Coliform, Yeast and Mold testing.
• Prepare dilution bottles used for testing finished product and liquid loads.
• Conducts microbiological analysis on environmental swabs and plates, including clean equipment swabs, continuous swabs, employee fingerplates, compressed air, and air exposures and reports results to supervisors and managers.
• Develops and initiates new micro testing for new production in the plant, including creating programs for recording and reporting results.
• Ensures compliance with corporate, plant, and legal guidelines for microbiological testing and standards.
• Records and reports work accurately, updating weekly out-of-standard graphs and sending them to relevant managers and supervisors.
• Notifies Compliance Manager and Quality Manager of out-of-spec results or negative trends.
• Participates in quarterly Proficiency testing program to monitor accuracy and proficiency of microbiological testing.
• Prepares analysis media, swabs, and plates on a timely basis.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and monitors a sterile environment for performing tests.
• Records and monitors autoclave for sterilization.
• Records and monitors incubators and oven temperatures to ensure proper analysis.
• Performs monthly calibration checks on pipettes.
• Manages inventory and orders microbiological supplies using SRM.
• Responsible for Environmental swabbing and reporting weekly results and trends to the management team.
• Coordinates all Project Forward meetings.
• Manages the Water Quality Program, including taking water samples, sending out for testing, and troubleshooting issues.
• Collects samples for non-routine microbiologic testing and arranges for testing with external laboratories.
• Develop and initiate with management any new micro testing for new production and develop new programs for recording and reporting results.
• Supervises and directs the work of Lab Analysts, Sanitation associates, and Quality Supervisors as needed for micro purposes.
• Provides yearly training on swab procedures to Lab Analysts, Sanitation associates, and Quality Supervisors.
• Schedules and conducts finished product pathogen testing.
• Records microbiological test results in SAP and reports and trends results.
• Performs month-end reporting for PEM swabs, start-up swabs, air exposures, and finger plates.
• Monitors lab R.O. water system and contacts vendor for filter replacement/maintenance.
• Participates in 3rd party, Kraft Heinz, and customer audits covering environmental monitoring and microbiological programs.
• Works non-core hours and/or weekends as needed to ensure compliance and resolve issues.
• Performs special plating, swabs, and bacti programs upon request of supervisor.
• Responsible for recording ingredient results.
• Responsible for the annual micro budget and ensuring the associated PO’s are created for outside laboratory testing to ensure invoices get paid.
• The Microbiologist works with live and potentially hazardous cultures. Caution must be used to prevent the spread of these microorganisms to employees and/or the plant. Due to the danger of live cultures, the Microbiologist must sanitize the micro area daily wear proper PPE and follow good Lab practices.
• Operates Vidas, autoclave, ovens, incubators, and stomacher.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disabilit