Quality Microbiologist

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the world’s largest bottler for retailers and A-brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe and North America. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?

Micro Tech Job Functions:

• Adhere to all company policies on health and safety policies/procedures, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety regulations and standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. Global Foos Safety Initiative).
• Understands and maintains common microbiological test materials and instrumentation/equipment including calibration and troubleshooting.
• Ability to understand company and customer microbiological requirements.
• Evaluate micro-testing results for deviations and trends and make recommendations to supervisors and managers based on those results.
• Timely and accurately enters data into lab-based database (RealSPC) and SAP computer database.
• Preparation of standard solutions and materials required for Microbiological testing per the comp-nay or customer requirements.
• Always maintain microbiological lab in an organized, clean, and audit ready.
• Collaborate with quality and production leadership to follow up on problem areas and to assist with investigation.
• Understanding of beverages application of Current Good Manufacturing Practices, cleaning procedures and safe handling of chemicals/microbiological materials.
• Perform plating and/or other microbiological methods of samples per company or customer requirements.
• Responsible for further testing of micros if required. Follow up with quality department leadership for any out of specification micro results.
• Order/manage inventory and supplies for microbiology lab including proper rotation of materials to eliminate expired materials.
• Packs and ships samples to customers and/or 3rd party micro testing laboratories per customer specification or as required per quality management direction.
• Balances group and individual responsibilities. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others. Contributes to building a positive employee relations environment. Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Able to train others in technical procedures and/or processes.
• Provide flexible work hours to support team initiatives.
• Perform other duties as requested by management including, but not limited to, participate in non-routine projects, validations, investigations, and method development to meet departmental and individual goals.

Required Skills:

• Initiate and record actions to support the Food Safety Food Quality Management System.
• Report all Food Safety and quality issues to Quality Management team.
• Execution of Environmental (ATP Swabbing) program to meet corporate and customer policies.
• Execution of microbiological sampling, plating (maybe require other methods) and data interpretation for bulk ingredients, raw materials, raw water, treated water, intermediates and finished product.
• Operate effectively in a microbiological laboratory by demonstrating proficiency in safely handling microorganisms, and having no health conditions that would impede the ability to carry out these essential tasks.
• Execution of microbiological environmental tests including but not limited to Yeast, Mold, TPC, Pseudomonas and Lactobacillus.
• Able to effectively communicate with quality management team, corporate, and the customer.
• Creation/Revision of SOP's, and other documents required to support microbiological testing methods and specification that align with company and customer l requirements.
• Added value to obtain HACCP and PCQI Certification
• Able to read, understand, and document different units of measure.
• Able to work in a collaborative and flexible team environment while possessing a strong service mentality.
• The employee will be required to participate in an on-call schedule for various shift, holiday, or weekend work as needed.
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word and SAP preferred.

Competencies:

• Technical: Skilled in maintaining accurate and detailed records of inspections and tests
• Integrity: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all quality assurance activities.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production environments and requirements.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with production staff and management.
• Critical Thinking: Apply logical reasoning and problem-solving strategies.
• Independence: Working effectively without needing close supervision.
• Entrepreneurial: Thinking creatively and innovatively to develop new ideas or improve existing processes.

Education and Experience:

• Preferred but not required degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, food science or related discipline.
• Laboratory science technician program or related discipline preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience in a laboratory environment preferred.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques, chemistry, microbiology, math, basic computer skills

Working Conditions:

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evening, and overnight may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Work Environment: Operating in a fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold (laboratory is temperature controlled). The environment is structured and supervised.

Physical Requirements:

R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%)

Physical Demand

R

O

F

Stand or Sit

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum lbs lifted 5 lbs.)

X

Carry weight, lift

X

Walking

X

Driving

X

Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance

X

• Visual/Sensory: This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental Stress: There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Well-being benefits
• Discount programs

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Refresco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.