Microbiologist I

Johnsonville, LLC

Microbiologist I – 3rd Shift

Position Overview:

The Microbiologist I will play a critical role in ensuring Johnsonville sausage products meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. Working overnight in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, you will generate, analyze, and interpret microbiological data that supports safe production decisions. This role offers hands-on exposure to sausage manufacturing processes, advanced microbiology techniques, and opportunities to collaborate with production teams through troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Generate, analyze, interpret, and report microbiological test results to support food safety and quality standards
• Perform routine and rapid microbiological testing, including pathogenic and indicator organisms, using standard and state-of-the-art detection technologies
• Collect and analyze environmental swabs, raw materials, and finished product samples during overnight operations
• Support Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Fresh shelf-life evaluation programs, including calibration and verification activities
• Serve as an overnight technical resource for microbiology, quality control, and sanitation-related questions
• Maintain accurate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly records, including certifications and regulatory documentation
• Follow and enforce microbiology Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) protocols
• Prepare microbiological media, standard solutions, and laboratory materials; sterilize equipment and glassware
• Identify trends, escalate concerns, and recommend corrective actions to protect product safety
• Participate in evaluating and implementing new microbiological methods and technologies
• Support a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Meat Science, Biology; working toward a degree or equivalent experience required

Experience:

• Experience with routine food and environmental microbiology testing in a manufacturing or laboratory setting preferred
• Hands-on experience setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and instrumentation preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of food and meat microbiology, particularly in Ready-to-Eat and raw meat environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for data entry, analysis, and reporting
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity, especially during independent overnight work
• Ability to interpret results, communicate risks, and initiate corrective actions when necessary
• Effective problem-solving skills and sound decision-making abilities
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision, while collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Passion for learning, innovation, and supporting manufacturing excellence

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old

Date:                                 May 13, 2026

Location:                          Micro Lab (Meadowside), Sheboygan Falls, WI

                                          (Our office is about an hour north of Milwaukee)

Coach:                              Laboratory Coordinator

Member Status:               Full Time, Hourly Office Technical 

Shift/Hours:                     3rd Shift; Flexible with a start time between 9pm-1am.                                            Rotational weekend work required. 

Travel:                              Less than 10% of your time

Reason for Posting:        Replacement

Benefits:                           Members have potential for a monthly bonus and 401k with a company match. Members also have access to terrific benefits including affordable medical, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; disability and life insurance; and fertility and adoption assistance. Johnsonville also offers competitive paid time off, including paid parental time off, as well as access to the 24/7 onsite fitness center and onsite medical clinic.

About our Company

Since 1945, our family-owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave-able sausage. Today, we are 4,000+ Members strong. We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries. We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally. We call it The Johnsonville Way. It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!

How to Apply:   

External candidate:  Apply on-line only at: careers.johnsonville.com/Johnsonville