Microbiology Technician - Massillon

Job Summary/Purpose:

Incumbent is responsible for accurately conducting, analyze and record microbiological tests and data from ingredients, finished product, equipment and environment and issuing notification and holds finished product not meeting plant, company Regulatory requirements.

Starting wage $29.00-$32.00/hr

Essential Responsibilities\

• Participate/support the RMP (Risk Management Process) and assist in the development of the system and operational standards and corrective actions.
• Conducts and records micro testing on ingredients, finished product, equipment and environment.
• Perform standard and AOAC approved method microbiological tests and analysis for total plate count, coliform, E. Coli, Staph Aureus, Salmonella, Listeria, Yeast and Mold including VIDAS and complete testing and analysis for line equipment, ingredients, components, line flow and finished products.
• Perform routine and scheduled tests and analysis of air and environment conditions.
• Conduct confirmation tests and analysis as directed by Corporate QA or QA Supervisor.

• Knowledge of product specifications and place all non-compliant product on “Hold” and maintain “Hold” lists.

• Follows and understands revised methods and lab procedures; reports all non-compliance analyses to the QA Supervisor on a daily basis.
• Responsible for purchasing and maintaining inventories of all equipment/chemicals, etc. used in Quality Assurance.
• Communicates with QA Supervisor as needed to discuss results of lab analyses in question, micro lab audits, new techniques and equipment.
• Files and maintain completed Quality Assurance paperwork.
• Conducts lab audits outlined by Corporate QA and directed by QA Supervisor.
• Assists in reviewing and updating Microbiological S.O.P. relating to the Massillon operation.
• Collects data and conducts special tests relating to specific issues as requested by QA or Corporate QA.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions in one-on-one situations and with other employee’s of the company.
• Use knowledge of testing methods and manually operates required equipment utilizing testing supplies to perform micro examinations.
• Test incoming ingredients, then record and track results to ensure vendor compliance with ingredient specifications.  Maintain and update Certificate of Analysis file.
• Test, record, and report, results of finished product to ensure that no contaminated product goes to the consumer.
• Report problems to prevent Food Safety problems (i.e. micro and GMP).  In addition, assist in determining root cause and driving subsequent corrective action for all microbiological and quality issues within the facility.

• Perform job duties in a safe manner, following all safety rules.
• Comply with all OSHA, USDA, FDA, HACCP rules and regulations.

• Training and Safety – Provide a safe and healthful work environment for all personnel through consistent support of the company’s Safety Process.  Oversee safety processes including, but not limited to, goal setting, hazard recognition, and elimination, administration of safety procedures and corresponding corrective action, area inspection, job skills, and compliance training, accident investigation and safety meetings.
• Interprets company policies to workers and enforces policies and safety regulations.

• Completes daily thermometer calibration.
• As necessary, other duties and/or projects may be assigned.
• Back-up Auditor Responsibilities:
  • Inspecting the factory nightly for cleaning deviations
  • Contacting the shift leader if re-cleaning is necessary
  • Re-inspecting after re-cleaning is done
  • Performing ATP swabs
  • Touring the facility with the USDA Inspector
  • Must complete and maintain all legal documents HACCP, Pre-op
  • Trend ATP swabs and make recommendations
  • Perform other bacterial swabs
  • Audit and record HACCP's and control points data as required by policy.
  • Audit and record ingredients use for verification of lot tracking capabilities using process sheets, weight sheets and other product specification data.
  • Audit processing systems for conformity to company standards and specifications and Government Regulations.
  • Apply Hold Tags to / for equipment, product or areas audited found to be out of compliance.
  • Document / Log the information about Hold Tags applied and generate components reject, and Hold Report.
  • Audit and record operational sanitation activities and GMP’s in assigned area.
  • Audit weight control records for assigned lines.
  • Audit information on all product cartons and cases, including product description, codes and date for assigned areas.
  • Monitor product quality through informal and formal procedures as required on all assigned products / lines.
  • Assist training of others in traditional Quality Assurance functions as needed.
  • Collect required PE/NLV/Micro/Fat, etc. samples for assigned areas.
  • Perform Product Evaluations as specified in corporate SOP’s and data entry and maintain FM log.
  • Evaluate and analyze products rejected by metal detector from assigned lines.
  • Perform metal detector and check weigher verification checks for accuracy during operations.
  • Monitor and maintain inventory of grading and lab supplies, forms, etc.
  • Maintain Production log book using the current pack-plans.
  • Responsible for collection, sorting, electronically scanning and filing all production process sheets.
  • Perform 5S housekeeping duties in the lab area as necessary.
  • Working knowledge of Oracl Agile.
  • Issue process sheet to files for production use daily, issue changes if pack plan changes warrant.
  • Monitoring rework/hold, and assist in disposition.
  • Inform and assist supervisors and team leaders to take corrective action in quality issues, GMP, SOP, HACCP/Formulation.
  • Collect necessary information to help complete SCAR process.

Education and Experience

• BS Degree for Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or other related Sciences; or two to four years related experience; or a combination of related education and related work experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge procedures as it relates to food manufacturing such as USDA, FDA compliance, GLP’s and GMP’s.
• Ability to learn product histories, plant and company policies and regulations.

• Ability to read and interpret documents relating to micro standards, lab equipment, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Communicating and managing skills are required when interacting with co-workers, management, employee’s, outside vendors.
• Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s.  Ability to perform these operations using weight measurement, volume, and depth perceptions. 
• Ability to deal with micro non-conformances involving variables.
• Proficient computer skills in Excel and/or Access, Word, and e-mail.
• Individual’s work must be accurate and exact as well as reliable.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Demonstrate reliability and good work ethics, quality work performance, attention to detail is a must, and maintain a good working relationship with all other departments.
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, and organizational skills and must be detail and process oriented.
• Must have the ability to exercise considerable judgment and be able to identify and solve problems.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Inductive reasoning: The ability to combine pieces of information to form conclusions (includes a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Pro-Active Problem Solving Approach: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Deductive reasoning: The Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers.
• Multi-Task: Should be able to balance multiple projects at one time and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Ability to assist in training salaried and hourly employees.
• Must be able to work flexible hours; days, afternoons, midnights, overtime and weekends as necessary.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
• Ability to use hands/arms to reach, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Ability to work in all areas of the facility including hot and cold areas, and be exposed to wet and humid conditions.
• Must be able to lift and or move up to 50 lbs or more.
• Must have excellent vision, distant and peripheral, with the ability to identify and distinguish colors, and adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually high, and ear protection is required.
• May work near moving mechanical parts, high and/or confining places and in outside weather conditions.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected].