Microbiology Assistant - Sanitation Hybrid

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Microbiology Laboratory Assistant is responsible for preparing all incoming samples prior to testing and maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Using the appropriate equipment and utensils to aseptically prepare all incoming samples for testing.
• Composite FDA detained and routine samples for qualitative/quantitative analyses.
• Perform serial dilutions for the quantitative analyses.
• Perform rapid microbiological analyses for pathogen detection.
• Maintain proper record keeping for media preparation, the autoclaves, pH and conductivity.
• Performs cleaning of equipment, processing areas, and support areas using appropriate procedures.
• Performs all needed sanitary requirements of equipment, processing areas, outside grounds, restroom facilities, and trash removal from production areas.
• Sweeps, wipes, scrubs, sanitizes, washes and picks up as required to keep building, groups, and equipment clean and sanitary.
• Ensures safe and proper use of tools ad equipment, ensures hand tools are free of defects; maintains neat and orderly work area, including proper storage/disposal of cleaners, sanitizers, and other cleaning chemicals.
• Operate the autoclaves, steamers, dishwasher and diluter daily.
• Weekly, clean the Micro are of the walk-in refrigerator. Disposing of old samples, cleaning shelves and organizing the area for new samples.
• Daily, discard one-week old samples.
• Using the top load balance, weigh samples to obtain correct and accurate weights.
• Using appropriate cleaning materials to clean and sterilize all laboratory instruments, glassware, flatware and equipment’s.
• Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
• Timely document all cleaning and maintenance performed on the equipment in the Microbiology department.
• Proactively assist Laboratory Associates in the performance of microbiological tests.
• Daily, check and record temperature of all refrigerators, freezers, and water baths in the Microbiology department.
• Daily, verify and record calibration of the top load balance used to weigh samples.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management such as; E.coli 0157 and 24 hour Salmonella testing.
• Maintain department inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Effectively interact with other departments.
• Other duties as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school or equivalent.
• Good organizational skills - ability to use your time, energy, resources, etc. in an effective manner.
• Time management – one’s own time and the time of others.
• Basic arithmetic skills – using mathematics to solve problems.
• Ability to lift 10 – 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity
• Ability to distinguish colors
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods