Microbiology Lab Technician - Moses Lake Production Campus

Summary

The Microbiology Laboratory Technician position is based at the Moses Lake Campus and operates within the Columbia Basin Factory. Reporting directly to the onsite Microbiology Lead, this role supports microbiological laboratory operations as part of Simplot’s Global Food Safety and Quality program. Key responsibilities include sample collection, preparation, testing, result interpretation, and data entry for a variety of sample types—finished food products, in-process materials, water, environmental surfaces, and swabs. The technician will play a vital role in supporting microbiological testing across three factory locations: Moses Lake, Othello, and Columbia Basin.

Key Responsibilities

• This position follows a 4-day, 10-hour shift schedule with alternating workdays to support continuous 7 day a week lab coverage.
• Operate independently within a small, fast-paced factory microbiology laboratory, consistently completing assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Conduct microbiological testing on finished food products, in-process materials, water samples, environmental swabs, surface swabs, and allergen testing when applicable. Responsibilities include sample collection, preparation, testing, result interpretation, and accurate data entry.
• Travel daily to Othello and Moses Lake factory locations using a company-provided vehicle to collect samples of finished products, in-process materials, and environmental swabs.
• Perform core laboratory duties such as media preparation, biohazard waste containment and disposal, scheduled cleaning, and basic equipment maintenance.
• Communicate effectively with Microbiology Lead, Global Food Corporate Microbiology, Quality Assurance, and factory personnel to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Maintain and report real-time test results and records in accordance with Global Food Laboratory corporate standards, including timely data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (MMS).
• Responsible for gaining proficiency in the Enviromap environmental monitoring system across all three factory sites, including a thorough understanding of designated sampling locations at each facility.
• Adhere strictly to all corporate procedures and protocols established by the Global Food Laboratory.
• Participate in accredited laboratory proficiency testing programs and maintain satisfactory z-scores to uphold testing accuracy and reliability.
• Comply with all corporate Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) required for Biosafety Level II laboratory operations.
• Execute routine lab functions including inventory management, equipment and supply cleaning, media preparation, and biohazard waste handling.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of food microbiology principles and practices.
• Support Microbiology Lead in:
  • Managing inventory of media and chemicals.
  • Addressing internal customer inquiries related to sampling schedules, test results, corrective actions, and product release decisions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and team objectives.

Typical Education

Relevant Experience

• Knowledge of laboratory audit standards and QA/QC programs.
• Knowledge of food microbiology and food processing.
• LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) experience and/or knowledge.

Other Information

• Must meet eligibility requirements to operate a company-provided vehicle for work-related travel.
• One year of related scientific coursework and/or experience.
• Basic math skills
• Good knowledge of computer and Microsoft products.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Detail-oriented, independent worker.
• Skilled in basic laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel and Word.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., climb steep stairs and work in hot/cold environments