What are the responsibilities and job description for the Microbiology Lab Technician (1st Shift) position at Mount Franklin Foods, LLC?
Summary of Job
The Microbiology Laboratory Technician at Azar Nut Company conducts biological and chemical testing on food and environmental samples; is responsible for closely following SOPs and interpreting/recording test results; sending samples out to external laboratories as needed; maintains environmental monitoring program for the production facility; submits documentation of results to Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor; releases Raw Incoming Product and Finished Goods that test within food safety specifications, and communicates any unsatisfactory test results to Supervisor to quarantine the material or facility area in question. The Microbiology Laboratory Technician is responsible for maintaining the laboratory in good working condition through managing inventory levels of expendables, maintaining good housekeeping, carrying out regular lab sanitation, decontamination, and sterilization activities, and documenting regular verification activities for laboratory equipment.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Physically receive food and environmental samples for testing.
Log samples received into laboratory database, and assign appropriate testing requirements.
Use appropriate equipment to conduct microbiological and chemical tests on food products, closely following SOPs and GLPs.
o Aseptic sampling and compositing
o Weighing
o Stomaching/mixing
o Pipetting
o Plating
o Incubating
o Extracting crude nut oil
o Titrating
o Blending
Prepare food and swab samples for shipment to third-party laboratories for additional testing, as needed.
Complete daily/weekly monitoring and verification activities, including, but not limited to:
o Incubator/refrigerator/freezer/ambient temperature readings
o Instrument calibration status
o Scale accuracy
o Chemical and microbiological reagent/media viability
o Autoclave sterilization efficacy
Properly and clearly identify, label, and store samples for both in-process and finished product testing.
Interpret and clearly document test results and observations.
Fill out Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customer samples.
Prepare, document, and validate microbiological and chemical reagents/media.
Ensure laboratory glassware, instruments, and apparatuses are maintained in clean, orderly condition.
Maintain laboratory equipment as appropriate, following manufacturers recommendations.
Maintain inventory levels for laboratory testing kits and other supplies.
Maintain compliance with regular calibration activities.
Conduct sampling for facility-wide, non-routine verification activities (water sampling, compressed air testing, etc.).
Maintain clean, clutter-free benchtop spaces for microbiological and chemical testing.
Implement and maintain regular master sanitation schedule activities for laboratory equipment/benchtop spaces.
Conduct environmental swabbing throughout the production facility.
Operate benchtop autoclave to sterilize microbial growth media and laboratory waste prior to disposal.
Participate in facility-wide Food Safety Inspection Program.
Complies and enforces food quality and food safety.
Complies and enforces Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Education and Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or Associates Degree with relevant coursework or experience; B.S. Microbiology, Biology, or other related discipline, preferred.
Experience: 0-2 years working in a laboratory setting.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to sit/stand for extended periods of time, lift upwards of 50 lbs., reach above shoulder height, bend, squat, and kneel. Must be able to conduct sensory evaluations (sight, taste, smell) and visually interpret test results.
Core Competencies
Technical Skills
Familiarity with aseptic technique, using laboratory instruments and equipment, and GLPs.
Preferred previous experience with QA/QC, environmental monitoring, validation and verification activities, COAs, and GMPs.
Competent with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power Point.
Soft Skills
Must be able to communicate in both English and Spanish.
Must be able to work independently, as well as occasionally part of a group.
Must have good time-management skills, and be able to work under a deadline.
Willingness to work extended hours, 2nd shift, and/or weekends.
Strong communication skills, detail-oriented, and self-reliant a plus.
Must be resourceful to obtain information from a variety of sources.
Must be able to take ownership of issues, and see them through to resolution.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis
The Microbiology Laboratory Technician at Azar Nut Company conducts biological and chemical testing on food and environmental samples; is responsible for closely following SOPs and interpreting/recording test results; sending samples out to external laboratories as needed; maintains environmental monitoring program for the production facility; submits documentation of results to Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor; releases Raw Incoming Product and Finished Goods that test within food safety specifications, and communicates any unsatisfactory test results to Supervisor to quarantine the material or facility area in question. The Microbiology Laboratory Technician is responsible for maintaining the laboratory in good working condition through managing inventory levels of expendables, maintaining good housekeeping, carrying out regular lab sanitation, decontamination, and sterilization activities, and documenting regular verification activities for laboratory equipment.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Physically receive food and environmental samples for testing.
Log samples received into laboratory database, and assign appropriate testing requirements.
Use appropriate equipment to conduct microbiological and chemical tests on food products, closely following SOPs and GLPs.
o Aseptic sampling and compositing
o Weighing
o Stomaching/mixing
o Pipetting
o Plating
o Incubating
o Extracting crude nut oil
o Titrating
o Blending
Prepare food and swab samples for shipment to third-party laboratories for additional testing, as needed.
Complete daily/weekly monitoring and verification activities, including, but not limited to:
o Incubator/refrigerator/freezer/ambient temperature readings
o Instrument calibration status
o Scale accuracy
o Chemical and microbiological reagent/media viability
o Autoclave sterilization efficacy
Properly and clearly identify, label, and store samples for both in-process and finished product testing.
Interpret and clearly document test results and observations.
Fill out Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customer samples.
Prepare, document, and validate microbiological and chemical reagents/media.
Ensure laboratory glassware, instruments, and apparatuses are maintained in clean, orderly condition.
Maintain laboratory equipment as appropriate, following manufacturers recommendations.
Maintain inventory levels for laboratory testing kits and other supplies.
Maintain compliance with regular calibration activities.
Conduct sampling for facility-wide, non-routine verification activities (water sampling, compressed air testing, etc.).
Maintain clean, clutter-free benchtop spaces for microbiological and chemical testing.
Implement and maintain regular master sanitation schedule activities for laboratory equipment/benchtop spaces.
Conduct environmental swabbing throughout the production facility.
Operate benchtop autoclave to sterilize microbial growth media and laboratory waste prior to disposal.
Participate in facility-wide Food Safety Inspection Program.
Complies and enforces food quality and food safety.
Complies and enforces Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Education and Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or Associates Degree with relevant coursework or experience; B.S. Microbiology, Biology, or other related discipline, preferred.
Experience: 0-2 years working in a laboratory setting.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to sit/stand for extended periods of time, lift upwards of 50 lbs., reach above shoulder height, bend, squat, and kneel. Must be able to conduct sensory evaluations (sight, taste, smell) and visually interpret test results.
Core Competencies
Technical Skills
Familiarity with aseptic technique, using laboratory instruments and equipment, and GLPs.
Preferred previous experience with QA/QC, environmental monitoring, validation and verification activities, COAs, and GMPs.
Competent with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power Point.
Soft Skills
Must be able to communicate in both English and Spanish.
Must be able to work independently, as well as occasionally part of a group.
Must have good time-management skills, and be able to work under a deadline.
Willingness to work extended hours, 2nd shift, and/or weekends.
Strong communication skills, detail-oriented, and self-reliant a plus.
Must be resourceful to obtain information from a variety of sources.
Must be able to take ownership of issues, and see them through to resolution.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis
