LUB Micro Lab Tech

Leprino Foods Company•Lubbock, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Micro Lab Tech monitors microbiology testing across the plant, including in-process samples, finished products, and other microbiological surveillance. The role reports test results to appropriate management personnel and helps ensure products meet food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies. The technician performs bacteriological testing on finished products—including cheese, whey protein concentrate (WPC), lactose, and nonfat dry milk (NFDM)—as well as in-process and environmental swab samples. The role uses FLEX and SAP to enter testing data, advises management on specification conditions and corrective measures, and represents the Quality Execution Department during corporate, regional, or customer visits. The technician must demonstrate proficiency through the job-specific PSOP Job Certification, work safely, maintain 5S standards, and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English to understand and follow SOPs and GMPs, communicate effectively, complete written and electronic documentation, and troubleshoot systems.
Must be able to perform essential job functions and wear required personal protective equipment.
Must comply with applicable safety practices.
Must be able to perform basic and intermediate mathematical calculations.
Must be able to enter data into and retrieve data from computer systems.
Must have considerable problem-solving ability for equipment issues or troubleshooting when supervision is not readily available.
Must have an understanding of basic chemistry or biology and basic laboratory equipment and testing, gained through on-the-job experience or high school or college coursework.
Must have experience with computers and programs.
Internal applicants must submit a signed Internal Non-Exempt Job Request Form.
Internal applicants seeking a lateral position must have at least 12 months in their current position.
Internal applicants must have no current performance concerns, fewer than one full attendance point, and supervisor/manager confirmation of career readiness.

Nice To Haves

Two years of work experience in a similar position.
Experience operating and troubleshooting instrumentation in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with aseptic technique and sample pulling.
Advanced science knowledge, such as chemistry, biology, or microbiology.
Laboratory work experience, such as using computer-assisted analytical equipment or performing microbiological testing.

Responsibilities

Test previous-production-date finished products (cheese, WPC, lactose, and NFDM) for bacteriological requirements specified by product code.
Perform bacteriological testing of in-process samples and swab samples.
Enable the plant environmental swab program.
Advise appropriate management personnel about specification conditions and recommend corrective measures.
Use FLEX and SAP to enter data from testing procedures.
Represent the Quality Execution Department during corporate, regional, or customer visits.
Demonstrate proficiency in the job-specific PSOP Job Certification.
Follow safety procedures, policies, critical safety rules, and expected standards of conduct.
Maintain 5S standards and a clean work area.
Help ensure products meet food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies.
Complete written reports and perform other duties as assigned.