Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy!  We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day.  At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

Hours for this role: Fri-Sun 3:30am-4pm

Pay for this position is $25-$27/hr plus a Shift Differential of $3 per hour

What We’re Seeking

E.A. Sween is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Microbiology Lab Technician. The Microbiology Lab Technician will support the Food Safety and Quality microbiology department, specifically environmental monitoring, processing swabs, raw material quality testing, shelf-life studies and associated documentation.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

General

• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to uphold food safety and product integrity.
• Consistently follow safety protocols and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members from diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, languages, or perspectives.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

Food Safety and Quality

• Conduct Environmental Monitoring of the Production Areas; process microbiological samples daily as needed.
• Conduct pre-operative and operative inspections as needed.
• Prepare media and operate autoclaves as necessary.
• Author and complete Out of Spec investigations as needed based on testing results.
• Provide Microbiology representation during audits when necessary.
• Assist manager in creating and maintaining all laboratory programs. Make suggestions as necessary to keep up with current industry standards.
• Assist in helping perform and maintain shelf-life studies.
• Assure all test procedures are performed according to standard work.
• Assist with facilitating/attending meetings related to the micro department.
• Conduct reviews in Red Zone and sign-off on pre-shipment reviews as necessary.
• Maintain and order supplies for the micro lab as needed.
• Participate and pass quarterly AOAC testing.
• Perform visual inspections and Environmental Monitoring during and after the sanitation process. (Applicable to Eden Prairie weekend shift only)

GMP and Safety

• Ensure chemicals are at the appropriate strength.
• Perform Calibration verifications on thermometers (IRs/probes) daily before production start-up.
• Document non-compliances and corrective actions and communicate results
• Report hazardous conditions to Microbiology Manager or Production Manager/Supervisor.
• Perform Calibration verifications on thermometers (IRs/probes) daily before production start-up. (Applicable to Eden Parire weekend shift only.)
• Provide support to the Sanitation Team as needed. (Applicable to Eden Prairie weekend shift only.)

Regulatory

• Professionally represent the department when interacting with other departments within EA Sween as well as suppliers and regulatory agencies.

Equipment & PPE

• Computer and calculator
• Lab equipment, including but not limited to digital thermometer, probe, incubators, microscope, pipettors/pipets, stirrer-hot plate, thermometers and autoclave.
• Safety glasses, gloves, hair net, ear plugs, and smock.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

Required

• BS degree in Food Science or Life Science with an emphasis in microbiology preferred or 5+ years’ related experience.
• 1-3 years of experience specifically in Food Safety & Quality role.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Attention to precision and detail; able to problem solve situations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); able to operate iPad and perform basic math.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience with verification and validation requirements for SQF or BRC certification
• Must have the ability to effectively speak and teach in front of groups of people.
• Maintain and extend a positive attitude to work environment and be able to accept/withstand negative feedback from others

Preferred

• PCQI Certification
• General HACCP certification
• Seafood HACCP certification

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs continuously and up to 25 lbs occasionally.
• Must be able to work in a cool environment (32-45 degrees) continuously and occasionally in cold environment (-10 to 32 degrees)
• Able to stand on feet continuously and sitting at desk frequently.
• Continuous hand/finger movements throughout shift.

How You’ll Find Success at EAS

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.
• Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.
• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success