Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Quality Assurance Microbiologist applies knowledge and technical skills needed to ensure finished meals are properly produced under safe food conditions within the plant setting. The Plant Microbiologist is responsible to lead, develop, and execute microbiological solutions to maintain compliance to food safety and to drive performance improvements through enhancement of microbiological programs and techniques. This position reports directly to the Director of Food Safety and Quality, Kitchens. #MomsMeals At this time, we are NOT considering applicants that require immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. BenefitsOur employees enjoy a generous package of benefits that we are thrilled to provide, and feel is part of what makes us different as an employer. We value our team members, and this is one way we can show it. Benefits include:-PTO, holiday pay and holiday of choice-401(k) match-Life insurance-Short-term disability-Health, dental and vision insurance-Maternity/paternity leave-Health savings account (HSA)-Flex spending accounts (FSA) – health and dependentPosition Requirements may include, but not limited toManage and develop an effective environmental monitoring program and provide recommendations for quality improvement within the facility; act as expert for all sites as neededConduct sampling for the environmental monitoring program and finished products as necessary following strong aseptic techniquesPerform the investigations of any out-of-specification lab results and reporting the results to Quality management in a timely mannerFunction as primary contact for the plant Pathogen Monitoring Program (PMP) including development, implementation, adaptation and trainingInvestigate and resolve microbiology and environmental monitoring-related issues and deviations and leads implementation of corrective actionsReview and approve microbiology and environmental monitoring test results and reportsParticipate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance laboratory and environmental monitoring operations in all sites as neededConduct thorough statistical data analysis for large data sets; develop and communicate trend analysis for the environmental testing program. Reviews all site data as requiredAct as the key Microbiological Subject Matter Expert (SME) for in plant Production and QualityAct as key Microbiological SME to consult on complex microbiological events and act as liaison with outside Microbiological Consultants as necessaryLead production process validations for continuous improvement activities for production techniques such as heating/chilling, freezing, modified atmosphere packaging, etc.·Identify Microbiological environmental hazards/risks in a production environment and provide the recommendations to the manufacturing sites; update and develop EMP procedures as required for environmental programsProvide Microbiological expertise to respond to regulatory changes or external inquiriesParticipate in regulatory and internal inspections/audits when necessaryAssist with risk assessments for microbiological hazard analysis for ingredients including involvement in plant Seek and Destroy TeamsRecommend and make changes to documents (i.e. SOP’s, policies, SSOPs, Testing Standard, methods, specifications) and ensure that these documents are aligned with the GMP practicesProvide cleaning standard recommendations and reinforce best cleaning practices in the facilityWork with sanitation personnel to investigate microbiological concernsWork with production personnel regarding sanitary equipment design standards as it relates to microbiology concerns for new equipmentAbility to lead and initiate the development of microbiological laboratories within the plant and have the ability to align and collaborate with other plant laboratory personnel as necessaryDrive continuous improvement in area of expertiseCommunicate with external laboratories regarding micro results, test methods, and concernsWork with R&D personnel as needed for new product development initiatives to assist in the enhancement of product stability and food safetyRequired Skills and ExperienceDegree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or other similar disciplinesBS +5 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing experienceMS +2 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing experienceExperience in Microbiology testing methods and techniques and familiarity with rapid test method for microbiological analysesExperience in a scientific role in a food manufacturing facilityKnowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety Management PlansKnowledge of Food safety concepts and techniques required (GMPs)Microbiological testing methodologies and equipmentPrior experience in leading a functional team (the ability to set goals, delegate work, and follow up results)Experience in establishing an environmental monitoring program; experience with software for trendingMust have experience in establishing cleaning standardsMust have regulatory and industry awareness (USDA and FDA)Strong understanding of sanitary design principlesMust be able to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & qualityMust be able to use Microsoft Office programs such as Excel; strong computer skillsMust have the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environmentStrong initiative and ability to work as part of a team; a self-starter that is highly motivated and passionate and eager to take on new projectsAn excellent communicator; able to explain complex (often technical) information to a variety of audiencesExcellent organization and decision-making skills; consistently demonstrates a methodical approach to the workAbility to teach others the importance of concepts revolving around food analysis, food microbiologyLead process for and troubleshoot equipment failures and deviationsWork effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer serviceA critical thinker; use logic to identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and synthesize and present critical information to solve complex microbiological problemsAbility to establish and maintain working relationships cross functionally with all members of the value stream including Production, QA, QC, and R&DDemonstrate proficient knowledge of Microbiological laboratory methodology and applicationRisk evaluation/Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for complex issues including execution and escalationData analysisMust be flexible in terms of working hours to meet the requirements of the positionGood critical thinking and experimental design skillsExcellent working knowledge of data analysis, statistical methods, and data reportingMust possess a broad understanding of food safety standards, compliance, sanitation principles and good laboratory practicesMust be able to lead by example on adhering to all lab safety proceduresPreferred Skills and ExperienceSeafood HACCP trainingPrior experience in designing and setting up or managing a new labExperience in managing peoplePhysical RequirementsRegularly required to use hands to feel, grab, or operate objects, tools, and controls while reaching with hands and armsFrequently required to stand, communicate, and listen.Occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel or crouch.Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.Visual perception to perform job including peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Able to perform repetitive movementsAble to work in variable temperatures (cold/hot)
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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