Microbiology Technician

Poultry Science Association; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Poultry Science Association is seeking a Microbiology Technician to join their lab team in Omaha, NE. This role involves preparing and testing samples for food safety, particularly focusing on beef and poultry, and offers a solid foundation for career advancement in microbiology. The work environment is fast-paced requiring teamwork and strong communication skills, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off and sick leave

Qualifications

• Looking for candidates with reliability and timeliness.
• Communication skills are essential.
• Experience or desire to work in a laboratory setting is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for testing and maintain media and reagents.
• Conduct quality control monitoring and adhere to safety protocols.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance in the lab.

Skills

Reliability

Timeliness

Communication

Experience in laboratory setting

Familiarity with microbiology

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience preferred

Job description

Job Title: Microbiology Technician

Job Description

Join our lab team and get involved in the fascinating world of microbiology! You will prepare samples for testing food products, ingredients, and environmental samples, using established microbiological techniques and methodologies. You will be testing beef and poultry samples from local meat processing plants as well as swabs taken from production lines, primarily testing for Salmonella and E.coli. This role provides a solid foundation for future growth and specialization in the field of microbiology. Start your laboratory career in a microbiology testing lab and gain valuable experience while developing essential skills.

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

• Reliability
• Timeliness
• Communication
• Experience or desire to work in a laboratory setting
• Familiarity with microbiology

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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 is fast-paced and interactive, with various tests and experiments conducted simultaneously. Teamwork and communication are key. The lab can vary from quiet to loud, and temperatures can range from hot to cold, depending on the equipment and processes in use. Available shifts are: Mon-Fri 12am - 8:30am, Tues-Sat 4pm - 12:30am, Sun-Thurs 10am-6:30pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-2:30am, and Mon-Fri 10pm-6:30am. Flexibility on start and end times is required, and the bulk of samples are received during the 2nd shift. Adherence to strict safety protocols and maintaining a clean and sterile environment are crucial. This role offers numerous opportunities to learn new techniques and expand your knowledge in microbiology, providing a solid foundation for future career growth and specialization.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50

• 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.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50

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 will be accepting applications until Jan 21, 2025.

About Actalent

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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.