This is a full-time position within our manufacturing facility with opportunities for advancement!

Who we are:

Schwan's Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony's®, Big Daddy's™, Villa Prima®, and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts; Bibigo®, and Pagoda® Asian-style snacks. To learn more about Schwan's, visit www.schwanscompany.com.

What we want to do for you:We offer eligible employees competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to assist employees and their families with their financial security, health, and well-being.

• Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off during first year
• 401k with Company Match

What we are looking for:

Here at Schwan's Company, we put a high priority on having safe, clean, and healthy workspaces. We want individuals who take that seriously.

• High school or equivalent, post-secondary education in science preferred with 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Bring high energy and positive attitude every day; always be curious and interested in learning
• Speak up! Recommend areas for improvement or efficiency; always be an advocate for safety
• Ability to read, interpret and communicate basic technical documents
• Ability to learn about and operate standard laboratory equipment
• Basic communication skills and interpersonal skills, basic level proficiency in operating a PC
• Basic math skills
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills
• HACCP certification preferred. Prior microbiology or laboratory experience preferred

Responsibilities:

• This position is responsible for performing microbiological tests on samples of incoming ingredients, in-process components, finished goods and raw materials and for reading and recording the results of those tests to meet agreed upon and expected performance standards
• Responsible for assisting in maintaining microbiology operations, equipment, and facilities
• Performs microbiological tests using specific media and procedures in accordance with USDA, FDA, State, Federal and company regulations
• Assists with daily swab schedules and paperwork
• Records tests daily, reporting any out of specification results to the lead or supervisor
• Performs media preparation and sterilization
• Complies with Good Lab Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Logs incoming samples and enters results into spreadsheets
• Maintains a clean work area and ensures sterile testing conditions in the laboratory
• Maintains inventory of supplies
• Assist with Pre-Operational start-up and verification
• Releases raw materials and microbiological holds when there are acceptable results or as instructed by supervision
• Prepares temperature sensitive products for shipment to 3rd party laboratory as specified by customers
• Position may require extended hours, weekends, and holidays