Microbiology Technician

About the role

Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses. Apply aseptic techniques in daily tasks, maintain media and reagents needed for microbiological testing, and manage inventory for expendable supplies. Perform routine preventive maintenance, conduct quality control monitoring, and follow processes and procedures in line with policies and customer requirements. Maintain laboratory conditions, ensure safety, and complete required training in a neat, safe, and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses.
• Apply aseptic techniques in daily tasks.
• Maintain media and reagents needed for microbiological testing.
• Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials required for testing.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal.
• Conduct quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
• Follow assigned processes, procedures, or techniques in line with policies/procedures and customer requirements.
• Maintain laboratory conditions, including equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
• Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner.
• Share information openly and in a timely manner.
• Assist in managing priorities and schedules to achieve individual and team goals.
• Ensure personal and others’ safety within the work area.
• Complete required training.

Essential Skills

• Laboratory skills
• Microbiology expertise
• Quality control knowledge
• Proficiency with lab equipment
• Microbiological testing experience
• PCR and food safety understanding

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience preferred
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Ability to travel is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Work Environment

The work environment includes opportunities for 2nd shift (2PM-10:30PM, Tuesday-Saturday) and 3rd shift (9PM-5:30 AM, Tuesday-Saturday). The lab is fast-paced and interactive, often receiving over 2000 samples per day on the 2nd shift. The atmosphere varies from quiet to loud, with temperatures ranging based on equipment and processes. Safety and cleanliness are paramount, and the role involves diverse duties and attention to detail. The lab offers continuous learning and career development opportunities.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $20.96 - $22.43/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)