Microbiologist

Job Description

Microbiologist
New Ulm Plant

• Full benefit package (Medical, Dental, Vision, HAS)
• Company matched 401K (6%)
• Additional perks:
  Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to shop at the Company Store
• Paid vacation, sick and major holidays
• Microbiologist positions begin at $32.59.
• Annual bonus (potential 3.5% annual salary)
• $1.00/hr shift premium

Primarily 1st/ Day shift.

The Kraft Heinz Plant in New Ulm has been a workplace of choice in the community since its opening in 1955. Current products include Velveeta, Velveeta Mini-Block, Kraft Deli-Deluxe, and Food service for popular restaurant chains.

• 400 Hourly Employees.
• 23 Salaried Employees.
• Average tenured employee is 12 years of service.
• Over 125 employees have more than 20 years of service.
• There is over 5,000 years of experience in the New Ulm Plant!

Welcome to our New Ulm Community!

The Microbiologist is responsible for overseeing microbiological testing and ensuring compliance with Kraft/Heinz standards and all legal regulations at the New Ulm factory. Responsible for managing the Environmental Monitoring Program, Plant Water Testing, Equipment Swabs, and Finished Product Pathogen testing. This individual works closely with Corporate Food Safety Micro on all aspects of required testing and when out of specification results are obtained.

• Performs daily microbiological analysis on finished products and raw materials, including SPC, Coliform, Yeast and Mold testing.
• Prepare dilution bottles used for testing finished product and liquid loads.
• Conducts microbiological analysis on environmental swabs and plates, including clean equipment swabs, continuous swabs, employee finger plates, compressed air, and air exposures and reports results to supervisors and managers.
• Develops and initiates new micro testing for new production in the plant, including creating programs for recording and reporting results.
• Ensures compliance with corporate, plant, and legal guidelines for microbiological testing and standards.
• Records and reports work accurately, updating weekly out-of-standard graphs and sending them to relevant managers and supervisors.
• Notifies Compliance Manager and Quality Manager of out-of-spec results or negative trends.
• Participates in quarterly Proficiency testing program to monitor accuracy and proficiency of microbiological testing.
• Prepares analysis media, swabs, and plates on a timely basis.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and monitors a sterile environment for performing tests.
• Records and monitors autoclave for sterilization.
• Records and monitors incubators and oven temperatures to ensure proper analysis.
• Performs monthly calibration checks on pipettes.
• Manages inventory and orders microbiological supplies using SRM.
• Responsible for Environmental swabbing and reporting weekly results and trends to the management team.
• Coordinates all Project Forward meetings.
• Manages the Water Quality Program, including taking water samples, sending out for testing, and troubleshooting issues.
• Collects samples for non-routine microbiologic testing and arranges for testing with external laboratories.
• Develop and initiate with management any new micro testing for new production and develop new programs for recording and reporting results.
• Supervises and directs the work of Lab Analysts, Sanitation associates, and Quality Supervisors as needed for micro purposes.
• Provides yearly training on swab procedures to Lab Analysts, Sanitation associates, and Quality Supervisors.
• Schedules and conducts finished product pathogen testing.
• Records microbiological test results in SAP and reports and trends results.
• Performs month-end reporting for PEM swabs, start-up swabs, air exposures, and finger plates.
• Monitors lab R.O. water system and contacts vendor for filter replacement/maintenance.
• Participates in 3rd party, Kraft Heinz, and customer audits covering environmental monitoring and microbiological programs.
• Works non-core hours and/or weekends as needed to ensure compliance and resolve issues.
• Performs special plating, swabs, and bacti programs…