Microbiology Technician - Nights

Heartland Coca-Cola; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 37,608 - 40,776; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Wellness Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC is seeking a Microbiology Technician to perform routine microbiological testing and environmental monitoring in a beverage facility. This hands‑on role supports sanitation programs and food safety initiatives on the production floor.

The successful candidate will have 2–3+ years in a beverage microbiology lab, a relevant degree, and strong attention to detail. GMP/GLP experience and data entry skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 2–3+ years of experience in a food/beverage microbiology lab are preferred.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, EMP and food safety programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic microbiological techniques and aseptic practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working in both lab and manufacturing environments.
• Proficient in basic computer applications and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Microbiological Sampling and Testing: plating and analysis of raw materials, in‑process, finished product, water, and environmental samples.
• Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP): track results, trend data, and report findings to teams.
• Sanitation & Food Safety Support: verify sanitation via testing and assist with root cause analysis.
• Documentation & Compliance: maintain records per GMP/GLP and support audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Independent worker

Laboratory safety

Education

Microbiology degree

Job description

Join the team at Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company! Days of Work: Tuesday - Saturday

Hours: TBD

Job Summary

At Heartland Coca‑Cola Bottling Company, quality is at the heart of everything we do. As a Microbiology Technician, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and consistency of products enjoyed by millions of consumers every day.

The Microbiology Technician supports product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance by performing routine microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and sanitation verification in a beverage manufacturing facility. This role is hands‑on and laboratory‑focused, with regular interaction on the production floor to support sampling, sanitation programs, and food safety initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

Microbiological Sampling and Testing: Perform microbiological plating and analysis of raw materials, in‑process, finished product, water, and environmental samples. Prepare media, reagents, and supplies according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Incubate, read, interpret, and record microbiological results accurately and timely. Identify and escalate out‑of‑specification or abnormal results.

Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP): Execute the facility Environmental Monitoring Program. Track EMP results, trend data, and report findings to Quality and Sanitation teams. Support corrective actions and verification activities related to EMP findings.

Sanitation & Food Safety Support: Verify sanitation effectiveness through microbiological testing and ATP results (if applicable). Partner with Quality and Operations teams to investigate and resolve microbiological issues. Support pre‑operational inspections and sanitation validations. Assist with root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant laboratory records. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), good laboratory practices (GLPs), and food safety policies. Support audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements as needed.

Job Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field required.
• 2–3+ years prior experience in a food or beverage manufacturing microbiology lab preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety programs (HACCP, GMPs, EMP) is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic microbiological techniques and aseptic practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Proficient in basic computer applications and data entry.

Physical Requirements

• Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
• Speaking: Constantly (investigates, negotiates, recommends, reports, etc.)
• Typing/texting: Frequently using a keyboard/phone for day-to-day business (email, reports)
• Mobility: Occasional travel throughout the plant and office environment.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift 15 pounds or less (laptop, tablet, handheld devices)

Pay: $$27.30 - $29.60 an hour

About Heartland Coca-Cola
Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company produces, sells, and distributes the highest quality and best tasting Coca-Cola and Monster Beverages across the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Our brand offerings provide multiple beverage options in non-alcoholic categories including sparkling soft drinks, water, ingredient enhanced, isotonics, tea, energy, juice, coffee and nutrition. We value our people, customers and community which drives our passion to work and win together as a team.

Benefits And Other Information
We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, wellness programs and tuition reimbursement. Part-time employees are eligible for paid time off, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Pre-employment background check is required.

Heartland Coca-Cola is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and any other class protected by law. Veteran friendly.

Requisition ID: 261432

Company: Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC