QA Microbiologist

Location: Ontario, CA
Exemption: Nonexempt
Shift: First
OUR COMPANY:
Ventura Foods is a leading global manufacturer of branded and custom food products that proudly helps food providers in the U.S., Canada and more than 60 other countries earn a special place on consumers' tables. We do this by continually crafting custom dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, and other food solutions that exceed peoples' expectations for great-tasting flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Headquartered in Brea, California, Ventura Foods operates 14 manufacturing facilities, 3 culinary centers, and numerous distribution centers across North America. When you work in our manufacturing and distribution facilities, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you're willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth, because you invest in ours.
Position Summary:
Conduct microbiological analysis on raw materials and finished products to ensure product integrity and safe, quality food. Has additional responsibility in the areas of chemical and physical analysis of raw ingredients and finished goods, record keeping and troubleshooting sanitation concerns, environmental testing and any other duties as assigned by manager or supervisor.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct microbiological analysis on raw ingredients and finished products to determine their compliance with specifications. Follow up with the first line action steps as necessary (product hold, vendor contacts, releasing product, etc.)
• Notify QA Manager when a product is out of specification or when a potential problem exists. Interact with the purchasing, production and warehouse managers to resolve problems
• Maintains microbiological lab equipment and supplies. Oversees calibration of critical laboratory equipment to ensure conformity to standards. Assures that media are prepared in a timely manner. Prepares media for microbiological testing use
• Assures microbiological records are current and accurate
• Provide support to the Senior Microbiologist in conducting inspections and testing to assess the sanitary state of the processing areas and reports results to management. Monitors cleaning and sanitation activities of the sanitation crew to assure compliance with established procedures. Provide support to the Senior Microbiologist in making and executing recommendations based on the analysis for remedial action. Provide support to the QA sanitation supervisor on allergen validations
• Provide assistance to the Senior Microbiologist working with Research and Development in assessing new product stability, risk factors and conducting challenge studies. Provide assistance to the QA Manager and Senior Microbiologist in conducting investigative studies
• Assist the Senior Microbiologist in providing microbiology trainings to the HACCP team. Assist in validating HACCP compliance for new lines. Maintain knowledge base of new technologies in microbiology
• Conduct microbiological analysis on finished products and environmental swabs for other locations to determine compliance with company or customer specifications. Convey environmental results to VP Quality Assurance in a timely manner
• Assure that all sanitation and housekeeping practices are being followed according to expectations, and responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned; travel may be required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of experience in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science
• Food manufacturing lab environment experience in microbiology preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have the ability to read, write and communicate effectively in the English language
• Must utilize time in an efficient manner and be able to work with minimal supervision
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel computer-based programs
• Understanding of rudimentary algebraic equations and basic mathematical statistics
• Must possess a basic understanding of the principles of microbiology and microbiological analysis and testing including knowledge of laboratory safe practices for handling equipment, chemicals and glassware; laboratory clean-up methods and procedures used to perform quantitative analysis of microorganisms in food, water samples, and environmental specimens; and knowledge of the methods and procedures used to identify pathogenic organisms in water, environmental specimens, and food products

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision - coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs
• Hourly Base Rate of $50,063- $62,027.70for Employees Located in California*

*The "hourly base range" provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The range provided is for California-based employees as Ventura Foods is required by California State Law to post pay rates. Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.
Physical Demands:
Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.
Work Environment:
In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.