Microbiology Technician

Actalent; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation or Sick Leave

Job summary

Actalent is hiring for a contract-to-hire laboratory technician in Omaha, NE. The role involves preparing samples for microbiological and chemical analyses, maintaining media and reagents, performing QC monitoring, and ensuring safe, accurate laboratory operations.

Shifts include 2nd and 3rd, with an onsite lab environment and comprehensive benefits. The position emphasizes aseptic technique, safety, and adherence to procedures, with opportunities for career development in a fast-paced food

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience preferred
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Ability to travel is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses.
• Apply aseptic techniques in daily tasks.
• Maintain media and reagents needed for microbiological testing.
• Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials required for testing.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal.
• Conduct quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
• Follow assigned processes, procedures, or techniques in line with policies/procedures and customer requirements.
• Maintain laboratory conditions, including equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.

Job description

Job Description

Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses. Apply aseptic techniques in daily tasks, maintain media and reagents needed for microbiological testing, and manage inventory for expendable supplies. Perform routine preventive maintenance, conduct quality control monitoring, and follow processes and procedures in line with policies and customer requirements. Maintain laboratory conditions, ensure safety, and complete required training in a neat, safe, and efficient manner.

Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses. Apply aseptic techniques in daily tasks, maintain media and reagents needed for microbiological testing, and manage inventory for expendable supplies. Perform routine preventive maintenance, conduct quality control monitoring, and follow processes and procedures in line with policies and customer requirements. Maintain laboratory conditions, ensure safety, and complete required training in a neat, safe, and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemical analyses.
• Apply aseptic techniques in daily tasks.
• Maintain media and reagents needed for microbiological testing.
• Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials required for testing.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal.
• Conduct quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
• Follow assigned processes, procedures, or techniques in line with policies/procedures and customer requirements.
• Maintain laboratory conditions, including equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
• Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner.
• Share information openly and in a timely manner.
• Assist in managing priorities and schedules to achieve individual and team goals.
• Ensure personal and others’ safety within the work area.
• Complete required training.

Essential Skills

• Laboratory skills
• Microbiology expertise
• Quality control knowledge
• Proficiency with lab equipment
• Microbiological testing experience
• PCR and food safety understanding

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience preferred
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Ability to travel is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Work Environment

The work environment includes opportunities for 2nd shift (2PM-10:30PM, Tuesday-Saturday) and 3rd shift (9PM-5:30 AM, Tuesday-Saturday). The lab is fast-paced and interactive, often receiving over 2000 samples per day on the 2nd shift. The atmosphere varies from quiet to loud, with temperatures ranging based on equipment and processes. Safety and cleanliness are paramount, and the role involves diverse duties and attention to detail. The lab offers continuous learning and career development opportunities, making it an exciting place to start or advance your career.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.96 - $22.43/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Omaha,NE. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.