Microbiologist

Summary

Perform microbiological testing, sample collection, and analysis of raw materials, in-process batches, finished products, and environmental samples to ensure compliance with specifications. Maintain laboratory equipment, calibrations, and documentation, including test results, sample logs reports for audits and provide COAs for released products. Identify and report microorganisms or nonconformances, communicating findings to management and production teams for corrective action. Ensure adherence to GMPs, sanitation standards, and quality testing protocols to support safe, consistent beverage production.

Responsibilities

· You shall be responsible for completing standard microbiological tests, collecting samples, recording results, submitting findings for management and customer review, maintaining laboratory cleanliness and inventory, and ensuring all testing and reporting are completed within the timeline expectations of customers and company.

· Analyze raw materials, in-process batches, finished product, environmental sampling and provide COAs for released product.

· Document test results, maintain sample retention logs, and prepare reports for audits.

· Maintain and complete calibrations of lab equipment on a regular basis, ensuring quality technicians are able to operate testing instrumentation in a safe and professional manner ensuring product quality, fill levels, labeling, date codes, and container quality meet specifications and our recorded accurately.

· Identify, monitor, and report findings of yeast, mold, coliform, and other microorganisms that could affect the integrity of beverages produced.

· Ensure good manufacturing practices and sanitation standards are maintained by all employees, correctly identify and document any issues of nonconformance in the production process.

· Communicate any concerns, issues, or non-conformances identified through observation, sensory testing, or analytical testing (Brix, pH, torque, conductivity, etc.) with management and shift supervisors.

· Ensure all potential quality issues are identified, reviewed, and resolved prior to releasing the product.

· Accurately perform routine tests to ensure batches and final product meets specifications and consistencies before the start of production and periodically throughout production.

· Maintain safe and clean working environment by performing housekeeping complying with GMPs SQF HAACP, LOTO and general workplace safety standards

· Must maintain accurate documentation that is legible, and organized

· Must follow good manufacturing practices

· Must ensure food safety and quality are maintained by following regulations and company guidelines

· Participate in ongoing training related to job duties, safety, equipment operation, and product handling.

· Perform other duties as directed by management

· These responsibilities are considered essential functions of the role and must be able to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Required Qualifications

· Must be at least 18 years of age or older

· 2 or more years of microbiology experience

• 2 years of prior laboratory experience
• Ability to work in high-stress and demanding work environment.
• Good coaching skills and demonstrated success in developing/mentoring people.
• Must have strong prioritization and analytical skills.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000 / 22000 experience a plus).
• Food Safety/SQF/FSMA/HACCP training.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, identify and addresses problems, meet deadlines, and stay with in cost projections.

Education / Certificates

· Bachelor’s degree in food science, biology, microbiology or equivalent experience

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged standing of 6 or more hours
• Ability to perform repetitious work.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand up to 80% of shift.
• Squatting, and pushing/pulling up to 30% of shift.
• Twisting, grasping, reaching, turning, stooping, and lifting up to 80% of shift.
• Repetitive Tasks and motions
• Operation of pallet jacks and/or forklift operation

Location: 100 Ceramic tile Drive, Morganton, NC 28655

Work Environment:

• Work areas consist of both indoor and outdoor warehouse setting, concrete flooring, moderate noise levels, and led lighting
• Fast paced Automated machinery and equipment for processing and production
• Warehouse is not climate controlled; temperatures very based on seasonal changes providing exposure to heat, cold, humidity and dust

Expected Hours: Variable shifts; production lines run 24 hours / 7 days a week and requires all employees to have open availability, including but not limited to working weekends, evenings, holidays.

Matrix Bottling Group, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination and workplace accommodation. In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, The American with Disabilities Act (ADAA) we do not discriminate against any employ or candidate based on race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin (including language restrictions), age, disability (physical, intellectual/developmental, or mental health), pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, ancestry, domestic violence victim status or any other protected characteristic.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $43.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• environmental testing: 2 years (Required)
• Microbiology: 3 years (Required)
• Quality audits: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Morganton, NC 28655 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Morganton, NC 28655: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $43