Microbiology Lab Technician

THE ROLE:

• This position will report to the: QA Lab Supervisor
• Travel Requirement: N/A
• Location: Bakersfield, CA
• FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt
• Employment Category: Full Time Regular
• Pay Range: $20.25 - $22.75

Generous Brands is dedicated to inspiring people to thrive through the power of vibrant nutrition through its leading brands, Bolthouse Farms, Health-Ade, and Evolution Fresh. Generous Brands partners with SAMBAZON to manufacture, distribute and sell SAMBAZON branded beverages.

Bolthouse Farms is a pre-eminent provider of chilled juice, smoothies, shakes, and protein drinks. Health-Ade is the fastest growing kombucha brand, dedicated to creating bubbly beverages that boost gut health. Evolution Fresh is a premier cold-pressed juice brand with national availability. And, SAMBAZON beverages bottle the superfruit power of açaí in juice and natural energy cans.

The company operates its North American business from facilities in Southern California, and the Greater Chicago Area. To learn more, please visit www.generousbrands.com.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE

The Microbiology Lab Tech will execute the daily laboratory operation and ensure that the Laboratory Quality Management System is implemented and maintained in accordance with ISO 17025 standards. This position will handle data/report and resources (equipment, supplies) to ensure that required testing is completed.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Maintain records and manages all aspects of testing activities
• Prepare media and agar plates for testing and recording on media logs
• Perform pour & petrifilm plating, count plates and record results
• Report out of specification conditions and summarize test results
• Perform sample preparation and testing of raw materials, finished products and others
• Complete data/information recording, follow the status of testing, generating reports and communicating findings of those test results supporting the manufacture of quality products
• Run membrane filtration (water testing method) and PCR method and record results
• Maintain the safety, cleanliness and hygienic laboratory work environment including periodic/planned maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of equipment and the work areas
• Follow lab safety protocols to maintain lab hygiene and eliminate cross contamination
• Participate in proficiency program and test control samples
• Assist or perform other duties/projects as assigned

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to operate microbiology instruments and equipment including equipment preventive maintenance, calibration, checks and verification
• Ability to perform microbiological swabbing and air monitoring (e.g. environment program for the micro lab)
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team to ensure the department goals, accuracy, and timeliness and cost effectiveness are met
• Show competency through successful completion of proficiency testing

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree is required or bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related areas. Equivalent experience in a related field can be substituted for education
• Math skills combined with the ability to perform and understand scientific based tests and results
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
• Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Office Excel, Word, etc.
• Communicate and interact well with others in the laboratory and manufacturing environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and apply Good Laboratory Practices
• Valid Driver’s License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some experience in Microbiology/Chemistry lab in the food-processing environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

• The work environment for this position will be typical of the manufacturing facility. There are portions of the job that will require working in cold (< 40°F) environments, in warm environments (>90°F), and loud environments.
• Must be able to work in a wet, cold, or hot environment
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs

HOURS & WORKDAYS:

• 2nd shift, workdays will vary, 2:00pm – 10:30pm & 4:00pm – 12:30am when business requires overtime and weekends will be mandatory.

WHAT WE OFFER plus more!

Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible team members and families.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Group Life and AD&D
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• Group Short & Long-Term Disability
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Gym Membership Discounts

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culturally diverse organization. We strive for inclusiveness and a workplace where mutual respect is paramount. We encourage applications from a diverse pool of candidates, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or veteran status. We will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, as needed, to assist them in performing essential job functions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Generous Brands and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of an accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@bolthouse.com.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:
Confidential does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Generous Brands is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.