Micro Lab Technician

Michael Foods • Gaylord, MN

126d • $40,016 - $54,421

About The Position

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that's First in Food. The Micro Lab Technician is responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of laboratory processes through meticulous media preparation and quality control. This role involves maintaining laboratory equipment, inventory management, and executing microbiological testing procedures on raw materials and environmental samples. The technician will also play a key role in product release decisions based on microbiological results, in accordance with food safety and quality standards.

Requirements

• One-year certificate from a college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or relevant experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural documents.
• Capable of writing routine reports and professional correspondence.
• Comfortable speaking effectively before groups, vendors, customers, or team members.
• Proficient in basic math operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in all units of measure.
• Ability to work with fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and to interpret bar graphs.
• Strong common-sense reasoning skills.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions presented in written, verbal, or diagram form.
• Capable of troubleshooting routine problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Proficient in using computers, including spreadsheet and word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word).
• SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pre-poured plates and conduct media transfers for rapid assays.
• Perform sterility testing and document sterilizer records.
• Measure and document media pH and perform pH meter calibrations.
• Daily monitoring and recording of incubator and water bath temperatures.
• Calibration of thermometers and other lab instruments as scheduled.
• Plate and streak raw material samples, swabs, and sponges.
• Conduct rapid testing procedures (e.g., Gene-Trak).
• Follow temperature abuse testing protocols.
• Manage laboratory supplies inventory, including ordering and receiving (SAP knowledge required).
• Accurate data entry of test results and lab records into computerized systems.
• Analyze microbiological results for any out-of-spec conditions.
• Hold or release product for shipment based on test results using the inventory management system.
• Adhere to GMP and food safety protocols.
• Maintain clean and sanitary lab conditions.
• Immediately report any condition that may affect food safety, quality, or personnel safety.
• Support additional lab tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Associate degree