Microbiology Technician

This job is with Coca-Cola, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors - curious, empowered, inclusive and agile - and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Join the team at Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company! 

Days/Hours of Work:

Days : Tuesday - Saturday

Hours : TBD

Job Summary

The Microbiology Technician supports product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance by performing routine microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and sanitation verification in a beverage manufacturing facility. This role is hands‑on and laboratory‑focused, with regular interaction on the production floor to support sampling, sanitation programs, and food safety initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

Microbiological Sampling and Testing: Perform microbiological plating and analysis of raw materials, in‑process, finished product, water, and environmental samples. Prepare media, reagents, and supplies according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Incubate, read, interpret, and record microbiological results accurately and timely. Identify and escalate out‑of‑specification or abnormal results.

Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP): Execute the facility Environmental Monitoring Program. Track EMP results, trend data, and report findings to Quality and Sanitation teams. Support corrective actions and verification activities related to EMP findings.

Sanitation & Food Safety Support: Verify sanitation effectiveness through microbiological testing and ATP results (if applicable). Partner with Quality and Operations teams to investigate and resolve microbiological issues. Support pre‑operational inspections and sanitation validations. Assist with root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant laboratory records. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), good laboratory practices (GLPs), and food safety policies. Support audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements as needed.

Job Requirements

• Associate or bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field required.
• 2-3+ years prior experience in a food or beverage manufacturing microbiology lab preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety programs (HACCP, GMPs, EMP) is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic microbiological techniques and aseptic practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Proficient in basic computer applications and data entry.

Physical Requirements

• Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
• Speaking: Constantly (investigates, negotiates, recommends, reports, etc.)
• Typing/texting: Frequently using a keyboard/phone for day-to-day business (email, reports)
• Mobility: Occasional travel throughout the plant and office environment.
• Lifting: Occasionally lift 15 pounds or less (laptop, tablet, handheld devices)

Pay: $$27.30 - $29.60 an hour

About Heartland Coca-Cola

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company produces, sells, and distributes the highest quality and best tasting Coca-Cola and Monster Beverages across the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Our brand offerings provide multiple beverage options in non-alcoholic categories including sparkling soft drinks, water, ingredient enhanced, isotonics, tea, energy, juice, coffee and nutrition. We value our people, customers and community which drives our passion to work and win together as a team.

Benefits and Other Information

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, wellness programs and tuition reimbursement. Part-time employees are eligible for paid time off, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Pre-employment background check is required.

Heartland Coca-Cola is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and any other class protected by law. Veteran friendly.

Requisition ID: 255129
Company: Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC