Job description:

Quality Assurance and Food Safety Programmes:
Conduct routine tests of raw materials and finished products, assist with the collection and analysis of laboratory data; plan and evaluate alternate methods and new testing procedures. Design, operate and maintain quality systems. Ensure raw materials and manufactured products conform to established specifications of quality.

Qualifications and competencies required:

A relevant tertiary qualification (for example): 

    B. Technology (Food), 
    B. Consumer & Applied Science, 
    Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Human Nutrition) .

Innovative, good communication skills, attention to detail, problem solving skills, project management skills, familiarity with relevant food legislation, and familiarity with relevant systems and software.

Starting salary:
$40,000

Mid career salary:
$55,000

Career prospects:
Microbiologists are currently in short supply in New Zealand, so job prospects are excellent.
Your career path can lead into technical management, R&D management, quality management, operations management, general management.

Typical companies to work for:

 AsureQuality
 Eurofins
 Fonterra
 Frucor
 Goodman Fielder
 Heinz Wattie's
 Lion
 Meat processor
 Nestle
 Tatua Dairy
 Tegel 
 Tip Top Ice Cream