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Form of workSUMMARY
This position conducts microbiological testing and reports results of beer, ingredients, and the environment at Founders Brewing Company and provides support for auxiliary programs. This position reports to the Microbiology and Food Safety Manager at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, MI. The proposed schedule is Monday through Friday with occasional work on the weekends, and the majority of the work will be in the Quality Control Laboratories at Founders Brewing Company.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducts routine microbial sampling and testing of finished product, beer in process, ingredients, yeast, product contact equipment, and the surrounding environment with a focus on beer spoilage organisms.
Records and interprets microbiological test results.
Sets up, maintains, and cleans laboratory instruments and equipment.
Performs media preparation for micro testing (e.g. broths and agars).
Monitors microbiology-related inventory.
Works with Quality Manager and Lead Lab Technician to schedule microbiological testing of beer in process and packaged product.
Conducts traditional microbiological testing and PCR testing to detect beer spoiling bacteria and wild yeast.
Completes basic organism identification testing as needed.
Performs cryogenic deposition, storage, and revival of brewing yeast strains.
Participates in microbiological proficiency testing with Mahou and Avery.
Assists with microbiological-related training of laboratory team.
Provides occasional updates and training to production team at Founders.
Communicates closely with other departments to ensure any contaminants are identified as soon as possible to protect product quality.
Prepares Weekly Micro Report when Microbiology and Food Safety Manager is absent.
Sustains a clean and organized work area.
Any other duties may be assigned by leadership.
*Available for work on weekends and nights as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory duties.
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Collects and researches data; Designs and implements work flows and procedures.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Business Acumen - Understands business implication
Cost Consciousness - Develops cost savings measures; Contributes to profits and revenues.
Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Makes timely decisions.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Quantity -Strives to increase productivity.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions ; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings on time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Initiative - Asks for and offers help when needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and / or Experience
HS Diploma or equivalency required. Bachelor’s degree (science) is preferred.
Other Skills
Basic knowledge and experience in a lab environment is required (school lab time or work). Experience in the brewing industry is preferred.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees or organization. Ability to record appropriate information on a batch by batch basis.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems, involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and possess basic computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste and smell. The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception, and ability to focus. Ability to work while on a ladder.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to a normal manufacturing environment. The employee must be comfortable working in a hot, wet, humid environment to be successful in this position. The individual must be comfortable working around high energy mechanical equipment and occasionally working at elevated heights. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
