Lab Technician Microbiology (Night Shift

Hilmar Cheese Company Inc.•Dalhart, TX

About The Position

The Lab Technician is responsible for accurately performing microbiological testing and sampling at the Hilmar facility. The role ensures timely, accurate communication of information to plant staff and customer service by maintaining files and entering results into the database. The technician interprets results, initiates endpoint testing as needed, maintains ledgers and equipment to validate processes, and assists with compiling data or starting new testing. Food safety is a companywide responsibility, and each employee must understand their role in manufacturing and distributing safe, wholesome, high-quality products. This description is general and may not include all other duties assigned.

Requirements

Proficient English skills to understand, read, write, and speak English.
High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution and one year of laboratory experience; high school science courses may count as laboratory experience.
Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Must be open to working weekends, holidays, rotating day/swing/graveyard shifts as necessary, and overtime as necessary.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing and walking almost the entire workday; using hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and performing repetitive bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, squatting, handling, grasping, and twisting/turning.
Must be physically capable of performing job tasks within the assigned areas, including working at heights and in fairly small areas.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
Experience in a Lab I, II, or III role, or one year of laboratory experience.
Intermediate experience in SAP.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Completed or in the process of completing HCC Level 1 Leadership training.

Responsibilities

Learn and efficiently perform current laboratory tests and any testing introduced in the future.
Perform multiple test steps at once when needed and adapt to changing tasks.
Assume duties independently, solve problems, and establish effective working relationships with internal customers.
Enter test results into the database and generate reports.
Comply with internal and external laboratory proficiency testing requirements and demonstrate position-specific analysis proficiency.
Maintain files, ledgers, and equipment; manage confidential information and maintain professional standards and sound judgment during busy periods.
Interpret results and initiate endpoint testing as needed.
Assist with compiling data and initiating new testing; when tasks are introduced, follow written procedures, order supplies, and begin testing with little input.
Complete annual OSHA-required safety training.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Understand and carry out responsibilities for food safety and the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, high-quality products.