Lab Technician Microbiology

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state‑of‑the‑art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high‑quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The cheese and ingredients we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses to protein supplements and infant formula.

We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.

Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.

The Lab Technician is responsible for the accurate performance of all microbiological testing and sampling at the Hilmar Facility. Ensure the timely and accurate flow of information to the plant staff and customer service by maintaining files and entering results into the database. Interpret results and initiate endpoint testing as needed. Maintain ledgers and equipment in order to ensure the validation of all processes.

Assist in the compilation of data or initiation of new testing as needed.

• Learn and efficiently perform lab tests presently conducted, and lab testing initiated in the future.
• Will be expected to be flexible and at most times able to do multiple test steps at once.
• Ability to assume duties without being asked and solve problems on an independent basis.
• Enter test results into the database and generate reports.
• Comply with all internal and external lab proficiency tests.
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Demonstrates proficiency on position specific needs and analysis requirements.
• Demonstrates compliance of the proficiency tests by generating results that consistently fall within 2 z‑scores.
• As tasks are introduced, lab staff may be asked to take a written procedure, order their own supplies, and start performing the testing with little input.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal customers.
• Manage and maintain confidential information.
• Maintain professional standards and demonstrate sound judgment during peak periods of activity.
• Annual completion of OSHA required safety training.

• English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write and speak English.
• High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution plus one year lab experience (lab experience can include HS science courses).
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Must be open to working weekends, holidays and rotating shifts (day/swing/graveyard) as necessary and working overtime as necessary.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences or related field.
• Experience in a Lab I, II or III role or one year lab experience.
• Intermediate experience in SAP.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Has completed/in the process of completing HCC Level 1 Leadership training.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:

• Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.
• Stand and walk almost the entire workday.
• Employees must be physically capable of working in any of the job tasks within their respective areas.
• Required to work at heights and in fairly small areas.
• Pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling and grasping, twisting/turning, repetitive bending.

Food safety is a company wide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E‑Verify.