Quality Microbiologist

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the world's largest bottler for retailers and A-brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe and North America. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it's what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it's our people's too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what's best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?

Primary Responsibilities:

1.Assist in the safe, efficient and responsible operation of Refresco in its mission to produce safe and legal products.

2.Initiate and record actions to support the Food Safety Management System.

3.Report all Food Safety and quality issues to Supervisor or Manager.

4.Execution of microbiological tests including but not limited to Yeast, Mold, TPC, Coliform, Lactobacillus and microbial identification of bulk, raw materials, raw water, treated water and finished product

5.Microbiological sampling, plating & data interpretation of water, product, ingredients and processes

6.Determining and performing tests needed for the analysis and report

7.The successful employee will have the ability to function in a microbiological laboratory environment; the employee should have no inhibitions regarding safely handling microorganisms present in the laboratory, aseptic gowning, and no health conditions that would prevent them from doing so.

8.Execution of microbiological environmental tests including but not limited to Yeast, Mold, TPC, and Lactobacillus.

9.Execution of daily and weekly Quality tests on raw and treated water.

10. If required, must be able to perform cGMP biological testing

11. Review and data entry for testing results into the electronic data management systems

12. Recording tests and analyses and then reporting the results

13. Perform laboratory investigations for out of specification and/or out of trend results

14. Write change controls and work orders for systems and instrumentation changes

15. Creation/Revision of SOP's, and other documents required to support testing and ensure compliance

16. Participate in non-routine projects, validations and method development to meet departmental and individual goals

17. Obtain HACCP and PCQI Certification

18. Obtain ASO License

19. The employee will be required to participate in an on call schedule for various shift, holiday, or weekend work as needed.

Additional Duties:

1.Receiving, labeling and safely storing samples to be tested

2.Discussing and answering any questions regarding the results

3.Organizing and storing samples in accordance with all safety and other requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the sample

4.Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment, including recalibration of equipment

5.Maintaining equipment records and daily work logs

6.Staying current on technical and scientific advances in their field

7.Advise QA Manager of microbiological results.

8.Order supplies for Micro Lab, Sanitation and QC Lab when needed.

9.Provide administrative assistance for Quality Department.

10. May be assigned special projects.

11. Create new microbiology related procedures/SOP's as needed, update/revise existing ones as needed.

12. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Essential Functions:

1.Providing flexible work hours to support team initiatives.

2.Knowledge of analytical techniques, chemistry, microbiology, math, basic computer skills

3.Ability to make calculations and recommendations based on testing results.

4.Ability to enter data in lab-based database and SAP computer database.

5.Understand common microbiological test instrumentation

6.Cleaning, routine maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory test equipment and procedures

7.Preparation of standard solutions for Microbiological and wet chemistry methods.

8.Preparation of analytical data in a complete, precise and professional manner.

9.Maintain the lab in a clean state at all times.

10. To follow up on problem areas and to assist to final resolution - working with Quality group and Operations in a team spirit.

11. Technical understanding of shelf stable CSDs and Carbonated Juices, Seltzers, and Cocktails and the application of Good Manufacturing Practices, cleaning procedures and safe handling of chemicals.

12. Experience with the execution of test methods for shelf stable CSDs and Carbonated Juices, Seltzers, Cocktails, raw materials

13. Monitor process parameters and report issues to Supervisors and Managers

14. The ability to communicate with all personnel in the plant in a professional manner.

15. Ability to train others in technical procedures.

Other Qualifications:

1.Previous success in a laboratory environment (work or school)

2.Ability to follow instructions, review manuals, and complete required documentation

3.Strong analytical, organizational skills and be able to exercise good judgment

4.Good verbal and written communications skills (will have some client interaction)

5.A satisfactory work, safety and attendance records

6.Critical thinker, ability to identify issues and work quickly to bring resolution

7.Capable of managing/coordinating multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, while maintaining a professional demeanor and meet deadlines

8.Excellent organizational, planning and scheduling skills

9.Must have good computer skills both in typing and Microsoft Office.

10. Must have good attention to detail.

11. Must have an understanding of custody client confidentiality.

12. Must have the ability to lift 35 pounds.

13. Must be able to work in a variety temperatures and conditions

14. Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, and sit for prolonged periods.

15. Must be able to work independently and with a team.

16. Ability to work without supervision.

17. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

1.Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related Discipline preferred

2.Laboratory Science Technician Program or Related Discipline preferred

3.Minimum two years lab experience preferred.

Working Conditions:

Ø Physical-Continuously standing or walking.

Ø Visual/Sensory-This position requires regular need to give moderate attention with one or two senses at a time.

Ø Work environment- Work and environment are very repetitive.

Ø Mental Stress- There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands.

Other Duties:

Ø This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance

• Life insurance

• 401(k) savings plan with company match

• Paid holidays and vacation

• Well-being benefits

• Discount programs

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Refresco is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Refresco does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, status in uniformed services, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.