Microbiology Lab Team Leader Columbia Basin GF

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

The Microbiology Lead position is based at the Columbia Basin Factory and operates within the Moses Lake Production Campus. This position will report to the factory's Quality Assurance team. This position will lead the factory's microbiological laboratory operations including overseeing and conducting daily laboratory operations, inventory maintenance, sample collection, preparation, testing, result interpretation, and data entry for the microbiological testing of finished food products, in-process products and water samples, environmental samples, and surface swab testing. The lead will play a vital role in leading microbiological testing across three factory locations: Moses Lake, Othello, and Columbia Basin.

There are two plant facilities that make up the Moses Lake Production Campus. The selected candidate for this role will begin their training at one of these facilities and then will be assigned to one of the two locations after training is complete.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and manage a team of four Microbiology Technician I staff, including scheduling, task assignments, and performance oversight.
• Provide daily guidance and support to ensure technicians meet operational goals and quality standards.

Laboratory Operations

• Coordinate and oversee daily lab activities to ensure timely completion of sample collection, testing, and reporting across three sites: Othello, Moses Lake, and Columbia Basin.
• Perform hands-on microbiological testing while managing overall lab workflows and priorities.
• Maintain compliance with Global Food Laboratory corporate procedures and timelines.

Microbiological Testing & Environmental Monitoring

• Conduct microbiological analyses on finished products, in-process materials, water, environmental and surface swabs, and allergen samples.
• Collect, prepare, and test samples, interpret results, and ensure accurate data entry.
• Lead all environmental sampling and testing activities in accordance with corporate procedures.

Sample Collection & Site Support

• Travel to Othello and Moses Lake sites (company vehicle provided) to collect samples of finished products, in-process materials, and environmental swabs.

System Proficiency & Site Knowledge

• Develop proficiency in the Enviromap environmental monitoring system across all three factory locations.
• Understand and manage designated environmental sampling sites at each facility.

Inventory & Supplies Management

• Oversee lab inventory and ensure necessary supplies are available to meet testing demands without interruption.

Training & Compliance

• Maintain and track laboratory training records to ensure all team members meet training requirements for both factory and lab procedures.
• Participate in and maintain compliance with laboratory proficiency testing programs and corporate standards.

QA Support & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact with QA when test results fall outside specifications.
• Coordinate re-sampling and follow-up testing, and ensure accurate communication of results.
• Respond to internal inquiries regarding sampling schedules, test results, corrective actions, and product release status.

Documentation & Data Management

• Ensure accurate, real-time data entry in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS – MMS).
• Maintain all documentation per Global Food Microbiology corporate standards.

General Laboratory Duties

• Perform media preparation, equipment cleaning, basic maintenance, and manage biohazard waste removal.
• Uphold Biosafety Level II lab protocols and good laboratory practices.
• Support daily lab cleanliness and organization per schedule.

Other Requirements

• Work independently and effectively within a small team in a fast-paced factory lab environment.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of microbiology principles.
• Complete all tasks with minimal supervision while adhering to corporate procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

• Must meet eligibility requirements to operate a company-provided vehicle for work-related travel.
• One year of experience leading others or processes.
• One year of related scientific coursework and/or experience.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods.
• Self-starter, driven, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel and Word.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., climb steep stairs, and work in hot/cold environments.

Job Requisition ID: 24167

Travel Required: None

Location(s): GF Columbia Basin Plant - Moses Lake

Country: United States

Rate of Pay:$28.93 Per Hour

Attractive total rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision coverage
• 401(k) savings plan
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Time
• Details available in Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Family Building Leave
• Education Assistance
• Benefits details available at

**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. **