THE ROLE:   

• This position will report to the: QA Microbiology Lab Supervisor
• Travel Requirement: None  
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Shift: 1st Shift 
• Employment Category: Full Time - Regular
• Pay Range: $19.00 - $21.00

INGENUITY GROWS GOOD.

Guided by its purpose — Ingenuity Grows Good — Bolthouse Farms is recognized as a leader in growing, manufacturing, and distributing high quality, nutrient dense branded products. Employing more than 2,200 people and headquartered in Bakersfield, California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, Bolthouse Farms is one of the largest carrot growers and distributors in the U.S. and manufactures the No. 1 premium refrigerated branded beverage in U.S. retail. Bolthouse Farms is made up of farm and food fanatics who work every day to serve Our Land, Our People, and All People. Visit Bolthouse Farms or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to learn more.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE  

The Microbiology Lab Tech will execute the daily laboratory operation and ensure that the Laboratory Quality Management System is implemented and maintained in accordance with ISO 17025 standards. This position will handle data/report and resources (equipment, supplies) to ensure that required testing is completed.

• Maintain records and manages all aspects of testing activities
• Prepare media and agar plates for testing and recording on media logs
• Perform pour & petrifilm plating, count plates and record results
• Report out of specification conditions and summarize test results 
• Perform sample preparation and testing of raw materials, finished products and others
• Complete data/information recording, follow the status of testing, generating reports and communicating findings of those test results supporting the manufacture of quality products
• Run membrane filtration (water testing method) and PCR method and record results
• Maintain the safety, cleanliness and hygienic laboratory work environment including periodic/planned maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of equipment and the work areas
• Follow lab safety protocols to maintain lab hygiene and eliminate cross contamination
• Participate in proficiency program and test control samples 
• Assist or perform other duties/projects as assigned

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR  

Minimum Qualifications:   

• Associate degree is required or bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related area. Equivalent experience in a related field can be substituted for education
• Math skills combined with the ability to perform and understand scientific based tests and results
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Office Excel, Word, etc.
• Communicate and interact well with others in the laboratory and manufacturing environment
• Able to work over 40 hours, weekends and flexible hours when business need arises
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and apply common sense of Good Laboratory Practices
• Valid California Driver’s License

Additional Required Qualifications:   

• Ability to operate microbiology instrument and equipment including equipment preventive maintenance, calibration, checks and verification
• Ability to perform microbiological swabbing and air monitoring (e.g. environment program)
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team to ensure the department goals, accuracy, and timeliness and cost effectiveness are met
• Show competency through successful completion of proficiency testing

Preferred Qualifications:   

• Some experience in Microbiology/Chemistry lab in the food-processing environment

Physical Demands:   

• Occasional standing, walking, sitting, handling product, climbing
• Ability to lift 50-55 lbs.
• Ability to work in both hot and cold environments

Hours & Workdays:

• 1st Shift (4:00AM - 12:30PM); when business requires, overtime and weekends will be mandatory.

WHAT WE OFFER  

Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible co-workers and their families.   

• Medical  
• Dental  
• Vision  
• Group Life and AD&D   
• Voluntary Life and AD&D   
• Group Short-Term Disability  
• Group Long-Term Disability  
• Flexible Spending Accounts  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• 401(k)  
• Paid Time Off   

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY   

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culturally diverse organization. We strive for inclusiveness and a workplace where mutual respect is paramount. We encourage applications from a diverse pool of candidates, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or veteran status. We will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as need, to assist them in performing essential job functions.   

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS  

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Bolthouse Farms and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of an accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at: [email protected] for additional support and guidance.   

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:  

Bolthouse Farms does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Bolthouse Farms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.