Fermentation Specialist - Day Shift
About the role
Fermentation Specialist At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference. We're Growing Fast And Looking For People Who Want To Be Part Of Something Bold And Impactful. Our Team Works With Purpose And Pride, Guided By The Core Values That Shape Our Culture Safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all. Quality - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. Respect - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrives. Transparency - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners. Innovation - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day. If you're ready to join a team working toward a more sustainable future, we invite you to apply today!
Responsibilities
- Respect a culture of safety first for you and your peers through strict adherence to health and safety procedures and protocols.
- Meticulously execute Standard Operating Procedures, including checklists, for aseptically preparing sterile seed cultures for production fermentation, with culture sizes ranging from lab to production scale
- Evaluate culture purity, cell growth, and cell quality in the production seed train and primary fermentation.
- Monitor and operate equipment per operational instructions and use a distributed control system.
- Perform maintenance, inspection, and cleaning of equipment following operational instructions.
- Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure equipment is working correctly.
- Communicate with the production team to facilitate processes.
- Report on when maintenance or repairs are necessary.
- Complete all required LMS and field training.
- Notify the Fermentation Supervisor or Shift Lead of any problems or issues.
- Ensure complete and accurate log entries of all pertinent operational issues.
- Ensure complete and accurate RECs, checklists, and shift reports.
- Evaluate data daily to ensure the process is under control.
- Ensure data is correct and up to date in the tracking file.
- Responsible for continued learning and progression through tier levels.
- Pass all proficiency tests as required.
- Become efficient at using microscopes.
- Any other tasks as assigned.