47 Food Safety - Micro Lab Technician

Become part of an essential team that produces best-selling and trusted brands of lunchmeat and specialty sausage products. We offer full-time set schedules with generous health care benefits, 401K, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. Land O’Frost has the right opportunity for you.
Job Title: Micro Laboratory Technician
Reports to: Food Safety Manager
Shift: Split 10:00 am – 6:30 pm or 1:00 pm – 9:30 pm*
➢ *3 days of workweek to be 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
➢ Two days of workweek schedule (M-R) 1:00 pm – 9:30 pm on a weekly rotation.
➢ Weekly work schedule (M-R) will be generated with 4 weeks prior notice.
➢ Friday 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent GED
• Preferred candidates will have college training in biology, microbiology, chemistry, and/or computers

Other Requirements:

• Detail oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to use a personal computer utilizing the following software programs:
• Must have good math skills with a working knowledge of proportions, percentages, fractions, serial dilutions and decimals
• Must have good organizational skills and be able to manage time efficiently and multi-task without constant supervision
• Must be able to remain calm in stressful situations and ensure tasks are completed as required

o Microsoft Excel, MS Word, MS Access, Micro Application and ERP system (IFS)

• Must have the ability to learn lab methodology
• Ability to utilize aseptic technique during microbiological procedures
• Must have a positive attitude demonstrated in current position, be flexible and able to contribute positively to a team environment
• Must be willing to work with sensitive lab materials
• Willing to work on weekends or Holidays if requested

Physical requirements:
1. Must be able to lift moderate loads (up to 50 lbs)
2. Required to work with hazardous chemicals and must wear protective clothing and eyewear as required
Job Assignments:

• Use aseptic techniques to plate samples
• Organize and prepare sample sponges for both shifts
• Complete re-tests as directed by the manager
• Report safety problems and concerns to the manager
• Prepare, conduct, and record results of daily Shelf Life activities
• Record received and opened dates on all chemicals and micro supplies use according to FIFO principles
• Input data into specific databases for Food Safety Related Data (Foreign Material, Micro Data, etc.)
• Utilize Good Lab Practices (GLPs) in all activities within the laboratories
• Conduct scale/balance and thermometer calibrations and complete equipment logs as directed by the manager
• Store chemicals as directed by the manager
• Issue lab result reports to management
• Develop MOP’s as assigned.
• Submit samples to outside laboratories as directed by the manager
• Maintain lab cleanliness
• Review and maintain HACCP documentation as needed
• Responsible for adhering to all food safety, quality and GMP procedures specific to this position
• Enter lab and other food safety related data results into the databases
• Organize, read and record data for microbiological plates
• Participate in Chemistry Lab and Quality projects as directed by Food Safety Manager
• Prepare and send sample shipments to outside micro laboratories
• Communicate out-of-spec test results to the manager and others as directed by the manager
• Participate in HACCP and USDA sample pulls
• Collect GMP samples, contact surface, indicator, investigative and environmental samples as directed by the Food Safety Manager
• Prepare weekly sampling schedule
• Complete investigative or construction work samples as requested by the Food Safety Manager (may be required to collect samples during weekend or Holiday project work)

Training:

• Selected candidate will receive training in micro lab tests assigned including Good Lab Practices, accuracy and precision and laboratory test methods
• Candidate will be instructed in Hazmat procedures within 1 week of starting job