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The Plant Microbiologist applies knowledge and technical skills needed to ensure finished meals are properly produced under safe food conditions within the plant setting. The Plant Microbiologist is responsible to lead, develop, and execute microbiological solutions to maintain compliance to food safety and to drive performance improvements through enhancement of microbiological programs and techniques. This position reports directly to the Director of Food Safety and Quality, Kitchens.
At this time, we are NOT considering applicants that require immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc.
Benefits
Our employees enjoy a generous package of benefits that we are thrilled to provide, and feel is part of what makes us different as an employer. We value our team members, and this is one way we can show it.
Benefits include:
-PTO, holiday pay and holiday of choice
-401(k) match
-Life insurance
-Short-term disability
-Health, dental and vision insurance
-Maternity/paternity leave
-Health savings account (HSA)
-Flex spending accounts (FSA) – health and dependent
Position Requirements may include, but not limited to
- Manage and develop an effective environmental monitoring program and provide recommendations for quality improvement within the facility; act as expert for all sites as needed
- Conduct sampling for the environmental monitoring program and finished products as necessary following strong aseptic techniques
- Perform the investigations of any out-of-specification lab results and reporting the results to Quality management in a timely manner
- Function as primary contact for the plant Pathogen Monitoring Program (PMP) including development, implementation, adaptation and training
- Investigate and resolve microbiology and environmental monitoring-related issues and deviations and leads implementation of corrective actions
- Review and approve microbiology and environmental monitoring test results and reports
- Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance laboratory and environmental monitoring operations in all sites as needed
- Conduct thorough statistical data analysis for large data sets; develop and communicate trend analysis for the environmental testing program. Reviews all site data as required
- Act as the key Microbiological Subject Matter Expert (SME) for in plant Production and Quality
- Act as key Microbiological SME to consult on complex microbiological events and act as liaison with outside Microbiological Consultants as necessary
- Lead production process validations for continuous improvement activities for production techniques such as heating/chilling, freezing, modified atmosphere packaging, etc.
- ·Identify Microbiological environmental hazards/risks in a production environment and provide the recommendations to the manufacturing sites; update and develop EMP procedures as required for environmental programs
- Provide Microbiological expertise to respond to regulatory changes or external inquiries
- Participate in regulatory and internal inspections/audits when necessary
- Assist with risk assessments for microbiological hazard analysis for ingredients including involvement in plant Seek and Destroy Teams
- Recommend and make changes to documents (i.e. SOP’s, policies, SSOPs, Testing Standard, methods, specifications) and ensure that these documents are aligned with the GMP practices
- Provide cleaning standard recommendations and reinforce best cleaning practices in the facility
- Work with sanitation personnel to investigate microbiological concerns
- Work with production personnel regarding sanitary equipment design standards as it relates to microbiology concerns for new equipment
- Ability to lead and initiate the development of microbiological laboratories within the plant and have the ability to align and collaborate with other plant laboratory personnel as necessary
- Drive continuous improvement in area of expertise
- Communicate with external laboratories regarding micro results, test methods, and concerns
- Work with R&D personnel as needed for new product development initiatives to assist in the enhancement of product stability and food safety
Required Skills and Experience
- Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or other similar disciplines
- BS +5 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing experience
- MS +2 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing experience
- Experience in Microbiology testing methods and techniques and familiarity with rapid test method for microbiological analyses
- Experience in a scientific role in a food manufacturing facility
- Knowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety Management Plans
- Knowledge of Food safety concepts and techniques required (GMPs)
- Microbiological testing methodologies and equipment
- Prior experience in leading a functional team (the ability to set goals, delegate work, and follow up results)
- Experience in establishing an environmental monitoring program; experience with software for trending
- Must have experience in establishing cleaning standards
- Must have regulatory and industry awareness (USDA and FDA)
- Strong understanding of sanitary design principles
- Must be able to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & quality
- Must be able to use Microsoft Office programs such as Excel; strong computer skills
- Must have the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong initiative and ability to work as part of a team; a self-starter that is highly motivated and passionate and eager to take on new projects
- An excellent communicator; able to explain complex (often technical) information to a variety of audiences
- Excellent organization and decision-making skills; consistently demonstrates a methodical approach to the work
- Ability to teach others the importance of concepts revolving around food analysis, food microbiology
- Lead process for and troubleshoot equipment failures and deviations
- Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service
- A critical thinker; use logic to identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and synthesize and present critical information to solve complex microbiological problems
- Ability to establish and maintain working relationships cross functionally with all members of the value stream including Production, QA, QC, and R&D
- Demonstrate proficient knowledge of Microbiological laboratory methodology and application
- Risk evaluation/Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for complex issues including execution and escalation
- Data analysis
- Must be flexible in terms of working hours to meet the requirements of the position
- Good critical thinking and experimental design skills
- Excellent working knowledge of data analysis, statistical methods, and data reporting
- Must possess a broad understanding of food safety standards, compliance, sanitation principles and good laboratory practices
- Must be able to lead by example on adhering to all lab safety procedures
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Seafood HACCP training
- Prior experience in designing and setting up or managing a new lab
- Experience in managing people
Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to use hands to feel, grab, or operate objects, tools, and controls while reaching with hands and arms
- Frequently required to stand, communicate, and listen.
- Occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel or crouch.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Visual perception to perform job including peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Able to perform repetitive movements
- Able to work in variable temperatures (cold/hot)
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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