Lab Technician Microbiology

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state‑of‑the‑art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high‑quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein, and lactose. The cheeses and ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula.

We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries, helping bring their vision into reality.

The Lab Technician is responsible for the accurate performance of all microbiological testing and sampling at the Hilmar Facility. The technician ensures the timely and accurate flow of information to plant staff and customer service by maintaining files and entering results into the database. They interpret results and initiate endpoint testing as needed, maintain ledgers and equipment to ensure the validation of all processes, and assist in the compilation of data or initiation of new testing as required.

• Learn and efficiently perform lab tests presently conducted, and lab testing initiated in the future.
• Be flexible and at most times able to perform multiple test steps at once.
• Assume duties without being asked and solve problems independently.
• Enter test results into the database and generate reports.
• Comply with all internal and external lab proficiency tests.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Demonstrate proficiency on position‑specific needs and analysis requirements.
• Generate results that consistently fall within 2 z‑scores of proficiency test standards.
• When tasks are introduced, take a written procedure, order supplies, and begin testing with minimal input.
• Establish effective working relationships with internal customers.
• Maintain confidential information securely.
• Maintain professional standards and demonstrate sound judgment during peak periods.
• Complete annual OSHA required safety training.

• Proficient English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
• High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution plus at least 1 year of lab experience (lab experience can include high‑school science courses).
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts (day/swing/graveyard) and overtime as necessary.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, or related field.
• Experience in a Lab I, II, or III role or at least 1 year of lab experience.
• Intermediate experience in SAP.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Completion or active pursuit of HCC Level 1 Leadership training.

• Stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Stand and walk most of the workday.
• Be physically capable of performing tasks within each work area.
• Work at heights and in fairly small areas.
• Push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, handle, grasp, twist/turn, repeat bending motions.

Food safety is a company‑wide responsibility, and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high‑quality products.

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E‑Verify.