Microbiology Lab Technician
Foster Farms
Livingston, California
Job Description
Company Description
Since our founding days back in 1939, we have always been committed to providing consumers with the highest-quality, best-tasting poultry products available. The hope is that our commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service, and our people will shine through in everything we do.
We are always looking for talented individuals to join the Foster Farms team. We offer the experience of a large organization, but operate like a family business. More than half of our job openings are filled by internal promotion, and we encourage employees to gain a variety of experiences across different functional groups.
Job Description
Pay: $20 - $25/ HOUR
Receiving, preparing, and analyzing high volume samples accurately in the Animal Health and Food Microbiology areas. This includes sample log-in, worklist generation and result entries into the Lab Management Information System (LIMS).
Receive, prepare, and set-up samples for analysis
Enter data, choose analyses, log and approve samples using a LIMS database
Process and maintain client samples at correct temperatures
Assist with shipping of customer supplies including return coolers to customers
Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents and supplies
Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media
Ensure proper labeling, handling, storage, use, and disposal of media, reagents and solutions
Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements
Perform quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
Maintain laboratory condition, to include equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures
Identify process difficulties and report these together with proposed solutions to supervisor.
Prepare samples for indicator organisms and pathogens
Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily workload
Prepare and maintain media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing
Performing serial dilutions, plating and handling of bacterial cultures
Properly operate laboratory equipment to dispense, pump and measure media and solutions
Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, trash disposal and equipment quality control
Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner
Responsible for the completion of required technical and safety training
Maintain cooperative working relationships
Accurately perform and read test results. Notify Laboratory Management of deviations
Filing submission forms and performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
Ability to conduct plating, plate reading, and detection
Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or related fields preferred
1 to 2 years of laboratory experience preferred
Must be able to perform some basic calculations related to laboratory bench work
Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Foster Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities, Females, Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Foster Farms participates in E-Verify during the hire process at all locations for all new employees.
Since our founding days back in 1939, we have always been committed to providing consumers with the highest-quality, best-tasting poultry products available. The hope is that our commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service, and our people will shine through in everything we do.
We are always looking for talented individuals to join the Foster Farms team. We offer the experience of a large organization, but operate like a family business. More than half of our job openings are filled by internal promotion, and we encourage employees to gain a variety of experiences across different functional groups.
Job Description
Pay: $20 - $25/ HOUR
Receiving, preparing, and analyzing high volume samples accurately in the Animal Health and Food Microbiology areas. This includes sample log-in, worklist generation and result entries into the Lab Management Information System (LIMS).
Receive, prepare, and set-up samples for analysis
Enter data, choose analyses, log and approve samples using a LIMS database
Process and maintain client samples at correct temperatures
Assist with shipping of customer supplies including return coolers to customers
Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents and supplies
Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media
Ensure proper labeling, handling, storage, use, and disposal of media, reagents and solutions
Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements
Perform quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
Maintain laboratory condition, to include equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures
Identify process difficulties and report these together with proposed solutions to supervisor.
Prepare samples for indicator organisms and pathogens
Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily workload
Prepare and maintain media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing
Performing serial dilutions, plating and handling of bacterial cultures
Properly operate laboratory equipment to dispense, pump and measure media and solutions
Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, trash disposal and equipment quality control
Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner
Responsible for the completion of required technical and safety training
Maintain cooperative working relationships
Accurately perform and read test results. Notify Laboratory Management of deviations
Filing submission forms and performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
Ability to conduct plating, plate reading, and detection
Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or related fields preferred
1 to 2 years of laboratory experience preferred
Must be able to perform some basic calculations related to laboratory bench work
Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Foster Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities, Females, Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Foster Farms participates in E-Verify during the hire process at all locations for all new employees.
