Quality Control Warehouse Technician

About Pivot Bio:  

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new solutions for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.

Our Quality Warehouse / Lab Technician provides essential responsibilities that fluctuate with the seasons.  During the colder months, the focus is on activities that take place at the warehouse.  In the warmer months, responsibilities transition to a lab environment.  

Duties (Approx December – May): 

• Lead the quality control activities in the warehouse to ensure adherence to quality standards. 
• Conduct inspections of incoming, in-process, and outgoing products to verify compliance with specifications.  
• Clean up finished product spills and leaks.  
• Release product in the inventory management system.  
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures and inspection protocols.  
• Train and mentor warehouse staff on quality control processes and best practices.  
• Investigate and resolve quality issues or non-conformances and implement corrective actions.  
• Work closely with warehouse operations, procurement, and logistics teams to identify and resolve quality issues.  
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, non-conformances, and corrective actions for reporting and auditing purposes.  
• Ensure the warehouse complies with all applicable safety and quality standards, including OSHA and other regulatory requirements.  
• Conduct regular audits of processes and procedures to identify areas for improvement.  
• Assist with inventory accuracy and proper handling of products to minimize damage and ensure quality. 
• Monitor and report key performance metrics related to quality and process efficiency.  
• Maintain supplier documentation. 

Duties (Approx. June- November) 

Media Lab Prep: 

• Support media prep by preparing and sterilizing culture media and other laboratory supplies for microbiological analysis, ensuring a clean environment, and maintaining equipment.  
• Operate laboratory equipment to clean and sterilize glassware, sterilize, dispense, pump, and measure media/ solutions.  
• Record data and run Excel based calculations with accuracy and consistency. Apply data into LIMS platformed systems for evaluation. Generate reports as needed.  
• Receive, record, and track inbound samples /material and ship outbound samples for quality testing purposes.  
• Support all general lab operations necessary to keep the lab running safely and effectively, including waste removal, hazardous waste disposal, safety policies, equipment maintenance, stocking of laboratory supplies, etc.   
• Perform quality control testing for microbial products which include viability assays, pH measurements, Gram stain with microscopy, colony PCR, etc.  
• Use aseptic techniques to sample microbial products with serological pipettes, run plate-based serial dilution, plate diluted microbial products with spread or spot plating techniques by manual and automated methods.   
• Interpret results for meeting specifications and perform investigations when quality specifications are not met. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications 

• Associates degree or equivalent experience, preferably in Microbiology or a related field required  
• General warehouse experience is a plus.  
• Good communication 
• Very organized 
• Time management 
• Dependable and reliable 
• Data entry and computer skills 

Work Environment 

• Warehouse environment with exposure to various temperatures and conditions. 
• Involves lifting or moving products weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Standing, walking, and inspecting for extended periods of time.  
• Ability to follow and demonstrate Microbial Lab Best Practices and Good Documentation Practices focused on ALCOA principles. 

#LI-Onsite