What are the responsibilities and job description for the Microbiologist I - 3rd Shift position at Johnsonville?
Johnsonville Location: Microbiology Lab
Our No. 1 priority at Johnsonville is providing a safe work environment for every Member we employ. Our industry-leading safety record, coupled with the safety awards we’ve received, demonstrate this commitment. Members of our safety team maintain the safety of Johnsonville Members in our facilities, continuously finding new and better ways to do so. We’re also dedicated to producing only the highest-quality products for consumers worldwide to enjoy – ones we would be proud to serve at our own family table. Our quality team ensures Johnsonville meets or exceeds all standards set by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), of the US Department of Agriculture and other regulatory agencies. Our commitment to quality is unparalleled, thanks to the dedication of each quality team member.
Position Overview
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.
Responsibilities
Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
About Our Company
Since 1945, our family-owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave-able sausage. Today, we are 4,000 Members strong. We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries. We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally. We call it The Johnsonville Way. It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!
Johnsonville is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.
We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.
Our No. 1 priority at Johnsonville is providing a safe work environment for every Member we employ. Our industry-leading safety record, coupled with the safety awards we’ve received, demonstrate this commitment. Members of our safety team maintain the safety of Johnsonville Members in our facilities, continuously finding new and better ways to do so. We’re also dedicated to producing only the highest-quality products for consumers worldwide to enjoy – ones we would be proud to serve at our own family table. Our quality team ensures Johnsonville meets or exceeds all standards set by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), of the US Department of Agriculture and other regulatory agencies. Our commitment to quality is unparalleled, thanks to the dedication of each quality team member.
Position Overview
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.
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
- 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
- Shift/Hours: 3rd Shift; Flexible with a start time between 9pm-1am. Rotational weekend work required.
- Travel: Less than 10% of your time
- Must be at least 18 years old
Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
About Our Company
Since 1945, our family-owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave-able sausage. Today, we are 4,000 Members strong. We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries. We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally. We call it The Johnsonville Way. It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!
Johnsonville is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.
We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.