8 Microbiologist

Job Description
Microbiologist
New Ulm Plant
Benefits & Compensation Overview:

• Full benefit package (Medical, Dental, Vision, HAS)
• Company matched 401K (6%)
• Additional perks: Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to shop at the Company Store.
• Paid vacation, sick and major holidays
• Microbiologist positions begin at $32.59.
• Annual bonus (potential 3.5% annual salary) .
• $1 .00/hr shift premium

Work Schedule:
Primarily 1st/ Day shift.
Plant & Community Overview:
Plant Overview:

• The Kraft Heinz Plant in New Ulm has been a workplace of choice in the community since its opening in 1955. Current products include Velveeta, Velveeta Mini-Block, Kraft Deli-Deluxe, and Foodservice for popular restaurant chains.
• 400 Hourly Employees.
• 23 Salaried Employees.
• Average tenured employee is 12 years of service.
• Over 125 employees have more than 20 years of service.
• There is over 5,000 years of experience in the New Ulm Plant!

Community Overview:
Welcome to our New Ulm Community!
Scope of Job:
The Microbiologist is responsible for overseeing microbiological testing and ensuring compliance with Kraft/Heinz standards and all legal regulations at the New Ulm factory. Responsible for managing the Environmental Monitoring Program, Plant Water Testing, Equipment Swabs, and Finished Product Pathogen testing. This individual works closely with Corporate Food Safety Micro on all aspects of required testing and when out of specification results are obtained.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Performs daily microbiological analysis on finished products and raw materials, including SPC, Coliform, Yeast and Mold testing.

• Prepare dilution bottles used for testing finished product and liquid loads.
• Conducts microbiological analysis on environmental swabs and plates, including clean equipment swabs, continuous swabs, employee fingerplates, compressed air, and air exposures and reports results to supervisors and managers.

• Develops and initiates new micro testing for new production in the plant, including creating programs for recording and reporting results.

• Ensures compliance with corporate, plant, and legal guidelines for microbiological testing and standards.

• Records and reports work accurately, updating weekly out-of-standard graphs and sending them to relevant managers and supervisors.

• Notifies Compliance Manager and Quality Manager of out-of-spec results or negative trends.

• Participates in quarterly Proficiency testing program to monitor accuracy and proficiency of microbiological testing.

• Prepares analysis media, swabs, and plates on a timely basis.

• Cleans, sanitizes, and monitors a sterile environment for performing tests.

• Records and monitors autoclave for sterilization.

• Records and monitors incubators and oven temperatures to ensure proper analysis.

• Performs monthly calibration checks on pipettes.

• Manages inventory and orders microbiological supplies using SRM.

• Responsible for Environmental swabbing and reporting weekly results and trends to the management team.
• Coordinates all Project Forward meetings.
• Manages the Water Quality Program, including taking water samples, sending out for testing, and troubleshooting issues.

• Collects samples for non-routine microbiologic testing and arranges for testing with external laboratories.

• Develop and initiate with management any new micro testing for new production and develop new programs for recording and reporting results.
• Supervises and directs the work of Lab Analysts, Sanitation associates, and Quality Supervisors as needed for micro purposes.

• Provides yearly training on swab procedures to Lab Analysts, Sanitation associates, and Quality Supervisors.

• Schedules and conducts finished product pathogen testing.

• Records microbiological test results in SAP and reports and trends results.

• Performs month-end reporting for PEM swabs, start-up swabs, air exposures, and finger plates.

• Monitors lab R.O. water system and contacts vendor for filter replacement/maintenance.
• Participates in 3rd party, Kraft Heinz, and customer audits covering environmental monitoring and microbiological programs.
• Works non-core hours and/or weekends as needed to ensure compliance and resolve issues.
• Performs special plating, swabs, and bacti programs upon request of supervisor.
• Responsible for recording ingredient results.
• Responsible for the annual micro budget and ensuring the associated PO's are created for outside laboratory testing to ensure invoices get paid.
• The Microbiologist works with live and potentially hazardous cultures. Caution must be used to prevent the spread of these microorganisms to employees and/or the plant. Due to the danger of live cultures, the Microbiologist must sanitize the micro area daily wear proper PPE and follow good Lab practices.
• Operates Vidas, autoclave, ovens, incubators, and stomacher.

Working Conditions:
Must wear a Lab coat, booties and Safety glasses when working in Bacti prep room. Handles materials up to15 lbs or less frequently or up to 45 lbs infrequently. When performing pathogen (Listeria and Salmonella) testing, rubber gloves must also be worn. This is a dangerous and infectious substance. Working temperatures range from 35 to 75 degrees. Safety hazards are present when working with the autoclave (pressure of 15 lbs steam temperatures of 250 degrees Celsius). Work is done in all production areas where microbiologist retrieves samples, around and under machinery in slippery and wet conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:

• High School diploma required.
• Degree in related field or related lab experience preferred.
• Must have experience with personal computers and software.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal skills needed.
• Strongly recommended being able to work with very minimal supervision and use own judgment.
• Must develop good knowledge of the plant to lead plant wide microbiological programs and in problem solving.

Training:
The Microbiologist will have a three-phase training period; 30, 60, and 90 days. An evaluation will be done after each phase. The successful Microbiologist will consistently demonstrate mastery of key competencies throughout all phases of training, ensuring a strong foundation for success in the role.
Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED Preferred.
• Previous Manufacturing Experience Preferred.
• Seeking individuals who work well with teams, are goal oriented, and enjoy satisfaction in performing a job well done.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds infrequently, with or without reasonable accommodations.

#INDMFGH
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)
New Ulm Plant
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] .