Microbiologist

Location: Northern

# Microbiologist Hot Job West Sacramento, CA 95691## Overview Salary Range $35.00 - $45.00 Hourly## Description
*
* Position Summary:

** The Microbiologist performs microbiological analysis of raw materials, packaging, and finished products according to requirements. This position also conducts microbiological monitoring to validate the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation.
** Reporting Structure
**** Reports To**:
Quality Assurance  Manager
** Essential Duties and Responsibilities
*** Follow all safety procedures and work as safe as possible at all times.
* Independently perform total count, yeast and mold,
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and enterococci testing on water and other applicable samples using approved laboratory methods.
* Perform aseptic sample handling, membrane filtration, plating, incubation, colony counting, result calculations, quality control checks, and complete documentation.
* Recognize questionable or out-of-specification results and promptly notify QA management.
* Complete all microbiological testing per internal and customer requirements including microbiological plating and analytical microbiological testing.
* Notify management of trends or results that are out of specification.
* Assist as necessary during any microbiological qualification to determine RO contamination.
* Responsible for performing and maintaining product, ingredient, sanitation and environmental microbiology monitoring programs.
* Perform audits to ensure compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and sanitation standards.
* Conduct audits, analyze & report out microbiological results per internal and customer requirements.
* Comply with and enforce proper safety, sanitation and standard operating procedures.
* Work with all departments to meet departmental goals and Company objectives.
* Follow and enforce GMP’s, Food Safety and ISO certification guidelines throughout facility.
* Participate and contribute to The Quality Management System Programs including Food Safety.
* Calibrate analytical balances in the micro lab.
* Perform laboratory support activities such as ordering supplies, preparing and standardizing reagents.
* Provide methodology of sample collection training to employees who are responsible to collect micro samples.
* Provide training, as needed, to employees on micro plating, reading, documenting, filing & scanning microbiological sampling and results.
* Provide ideas and actively participate in initiatives for continuous improvement.  Identifies problems and brings to the attention of plant management.
* Assist with State pH Control releases including sample preparation, documentation & working with the State pH Inspector for releases.
* Perform internal audits, as needed
* Assist with annual capability studies.
* General  + Maintain a positive work atmosphere and interaction with customers, co-workers, and management.  + All other duties as assigned.  + Work scheduled shift, weekends, and extended hours as required.  + Regular and punctual attendance.
* To perform this job successfully, must be able to perform each fundamental task listed above satisfactorily.## Qualifications
** Qualifications
* *** Education
* ** BS in Microbiology or Biology required;
* 2-3 years of microbiology experience with food, beverage or microbiological laboratory required;
* Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
** Experience
* ** 2–3 years of hands-on microbiology experience in a food, beverage, water, or similar testing laboratory.
* Hands-on experience with membrane filtration and culture-based microbiological testing of water.
* Experience performing total count, yeast and mold, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and enterococci testing is strongly preferred.
* Ability to independently prepare samples and media; perform filtration, plating, incubation, and colony counts; calculate results; and maintain complete, accurate records.
* Ability to follow approved test methods, recognize questionable or out-of-specification results, troubleshoot testing issues, and promptly notify QA management.
* Experience with aseptic technique, environmental monitoring, and laboratory contamination controls.
* Experience in a beverage manufacturing facility preferred.
** Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
*** Knowledge of aseptic technique, membrane filtration, microbiological plating, incubation, colony counting, and laboratory contamination controls.
* Ability to perform and interpret total count, yeast and mold,
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and enterococci testing…