Microbiological Lab Tech

Simmons Foods•Siloam Springs, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for accurate and timely processing of microbiology and chemistry testing for all 3 divisions within Simmons Foods, INC. This is a Salary Non-Exempt position.

Requirements

Accurate and timely processing of microbiology and chemistry testing.
Strictly follow aseptic technique.
Ability to plan and prioritize daily tasks.
Accurately verify results before release.
Ability to correctly interpret bacterial growth.
Follow quality control procedures for all processes, equipment, and inventory management systems.
Complete required monthly safety training.
Assist with daily laboratory housekeeping duties.
Assist in training new team members.
Complete annual goals (individual and team).
Work towards identified project objectives and goals.
Participate in team development, communication, and implementation of concepts, programs, and policies.
Coordinate work for best practices.
Attend team meetings.
Foster team cohesiveness.
Identify and resolve areas of lack of cohesiveness.
Maintain familiarity with Simmons’ operating systems.
Communicate concerns and improvement ideas regarding operating systems.
Enter and locate information on a computer.
Visually verify information, often in small print.
Communicate with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail.
Present information to small or large groups.
Work in various temperatures.
Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property.
Perform repetitive motions for extended periods of time (pipetting, pouring media, etc.).
Lift and carry 40lb packages or trash bags over short distances and up/down stairs.
Wear a lab coat at all times while in the laboratory.
Wear safety glasses and gloves and any other protective equipment as needed.
Working knowledge of current laboratory procedures involving Pathogens and Quality Indicator bacteria.
Computer skills including functional knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Gmail with an emphasis on Excel.
Ability to pass a company-issued laboratory test and color-blind test.
Effectively communicate in English (both written and verbal).

Nice To Haves

Microbiology food laboratory experience preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Chemistry or any science related field.
Value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.

Responsibilities

Test raw and finished products and environmental samples for microbiology and chemistry testing. Some products require pathogen testing.
Receive and prepare samples for testing and ensure all steps in the testing process are strictly followed utilizing aseptic technique.
Plan and prioritize all daily tasks.
Communicate results to customers by ensuring accurate and timely result entry. Results can be reported electronically or by hard copy.
Accurately verify results before they are released to the customer.
Correctly interpret bacterial growth to provide accurate results for some tests.
Actively participate in improving the quality management system to maintain lab accreditation by eliminating errors from the lab processes.
Ensure quality control procedures are followed for all processes, equipment and inventory management systems including bacterial cultures that are utilized in the laboratories.
Complete required monthly safety training.
Assist with daily laboratory housekeeping duties such as washing dishes, dusting and mopping.
Assist in training new team members.
Complete annual goals which consist of individual and team goals as directed by senior leadership.
Complete normal job responsibilities as well as work towards the identified project objectives and goals each year.
Participate as a member of the Team, including ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies.
Coordinate work to ensure best practices with all team members.
Attend appropriate team meetings.
Foster strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc.
Accept responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues.
Actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
Maintain familiarity with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN) and this position’s role in support of these systems.
Consider the impact of individual actions on the systems and communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Perform other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.