FSQA Micro Technician

US-MO-Carthage

Job ID: 2026-9339
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Quality Assurance
Carthage Plant

Overview

Under the direction of the Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager or Supervisor, the Microbiology Technician (Micro Tech) conducts microbiological analyses to verify sanitary operating conditions and to assure the safety and quality of the manufacturing environment and finished product. The Micro Tech also provides technical assistance on all matters related to the bacteriological analysis of products and materials, microbiological investigations and interpretation of analytical results as well as implementation of Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) microbiological procedures

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Performs microbiological tests as required and provides the technological knowledge and skills necessary to the implementation and maintenance of bacteriological testing and quality assurance programs.
• Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports and keeps leadership advised on all technical matters within the facility pertaining to microbiological procedures, bacteriological analyses reports (e.g. EMMA, Excel trending and data analysis gathering tools) or others as required or directed by Corporate FSQA.
• Collects environmental, ingredient and finished product samples for bacteriological testing as needed.
• Maintains a current and comprehensive knowledge of microbiological testing and analysis procedures.
• Conducts or assists with raw material/ingredient hazard analysis and risk assessments that may require microbial analysis, Certificates of Analysis and/or export certification.
• May inspect equipment and facilities for cleaning deficiencies and other food safety issues.
• Will participate on the positive swab investigative team as the leader, investigator or swab tech. Will maintain all records required for investigations.
• Assists in the training or instruction of laboratory personnel, and monitors assigned bacteriological tests.
• Responsible for the proper maintenance and operation of all bacteriological equipment, Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and maintaining laboratory in a clean, sanitary and unadulterated state at all times.
• Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports and keeps leadership advised on all technical matters within the facility pertaining to microbiological procedures, bacteriological analyses reports, etc.
• Responsible for updating and maintaining the laboratory manual with all current policies and procedures, including the environmental site program. Maintains familiarity with all related Corporate FSQA policies and procedures. Checks operating procedures and institutes changes coming from new product requirements, equipment changes, line speed requirements, raw material variations, etc.
• Assists in developing and applying quality controls, food safety controls and related procedures in plant operations.
• Responsible for communicating with outside analytical laboratories.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies, and establishing necessary budget for annual supplies.
• Follows all facility safety rules and regulations, FSQA programs, and regulatory requirements.
• Performs work within company standards and efficiencies
• Perform all other work as assigned.

Financial Responsibility

• Indirect responsibility for quality and food safety costs and financial benefits to AFNA through compliance to specifications.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A High School Diploma or its equivalent is desirable. Meaningful education and experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Sufficiently broad experience in food manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Assurance and/or food plant production operations, processes, and policies to permit execution of assigned duties is strongly desired. Limited food manufacturing experience combined with an appropriate college degree may be considered.
• Certifications such as HACCP, PCQI, or SQF are helpful.

General Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must have keen ability to analyze problems encountered and to make reasonable decisions based on facts/data, procedures specifications and experience.
• Fluency in English (reading, writing, and verbal) is required.
• Good organizational, mathematical, and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to conscientiously monitor aspects of incoming materials, product production, storage and distribution operations, and ensure that established material specifications, product production, product quality controls and sanitary standards are met.
• Computer literacy, word processing, and data entry skills are desired.
• Must be able, both mentally and physically, to do the analytical test. Requires good eye/hand coordination.
• Must be willing to work together as part of a team; also, must be self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervision.
• Valid Driver’s license, clean driving record

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essentials functions.

While performing the duties of this position the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in the production area. Employee must be capable of 24-hour, 7-day a week, emergency work assignments.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance in a manufacturing facility; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.