Microbiologist I - 3rd Shift

Johnsonville•Sheboygan Falls, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Microbiologist I will play a critical role in ensuring Johnsonville sausage products meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. Working overnight in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, you will generate, analyze, and interpret microbiological data that supports safe production decisions. This role offers hands-on exposure to sausage manufacturing processes, advanced microbiology techniques, and opportunities to collaborate with production teams through troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Meat Science, Biology; working toward a degree or equivalent experience required
Experience with routine food and environmental microbiology testing in a manufacturing or laboratory setting preferred
Hands-on experience setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and instrumentation preferred
Strong knowledge of food and meat microbiology, particularly in Ready-to-Eat and raw meat environments
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for data entry, analysis, and reporting
Strong attention to detail and data integrity, especially during independent overnight work
Ability to interpret results, communicate risks, and initiate corrective actions when necessary
Effective problem-solving skills and sound decision-making abilities
Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision, while collaborating with cross-functional teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Passion for learning, innovation, and supporting manufacturing excellence
Must be at least 18 years old

Responsibilities

Generate, analyze, interpret, and report microbiological test results to support food safety and quality standards
Perform routine and rapid microbiological testing, including pathogenic and indicator organisms, using standard and state-of-the-art detection technologies
Collect and analyze environmental swabs, raw materials, and finished product samples during overnight operations
Support Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Fresh shelf-life evaluation programs, including calibration and verification activities
Serve as an overnight technical resource for microbiology, quality control, and sanitation-related questions
Maintain accurate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly records, including certifications and regulatory documentation
Follow and enforce microbiology Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) protocols
Prepare microbiological media, standard solutions, and laboratory materials; sterilize equipment and glassware
Identify trends, escalate concerns, and recommend corrective actions to protect product safety
Participate in evaluating and implementing new microbiological methods and technologies
Support a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment