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Media Prep Technician
Career Insights for Production Worker
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Production Worker performs a variety of duties in a factory. Operates machinery, manages distribution and provides quality control inspection.
$44,499 / year median in California
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Job Title:
Media Prep TechnicianJob Description The Media Prep Technician serves as a Production Operator supporting the manufacturing of microbial-based products in a biological production environment. This hands-on role is ideal for individuals with experience in microbiology, fermentation, laboratory operations, or manufacturing who enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative team setting. The technician prepares materials, operates production equipment, and follows strict procedures to ensure high-quality, contamination-free products. Responsibilities
+ Prepare and mix production materials and substrates according to established procedures and specifications.
+ Load fermentation containers and perform inoculation activities using appropriate aseptic techniques.
+ Operate sterilization and production equipment safely and efficiently to support ongoing manufacturing processes.
+ Support production workflows including material preparation, incubation, harvesting, and drying of microbial-based products.
+ Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and aseptic manufacturing practices to maintain product quality and minimize contamination risks.
+ Clean and sanitize production areas, tools, and equipment to uphold strict hygiene and safety standards.
+ Complete batch records, production logs, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
+ Report equipment issues, process deviations, or safety concerns promptly to ensure continuous improvement and safe operations.
+ Assist with inventory management, including receiving, organizing, and tracking materials and supplies.
+ Collaborate with the production team to meet daily and weekly manufacturing goals and contribute to a culture of high-quality scientific work. Essential Skills
+ High school diploma or
GED. + 1-2
years of experience in manufacturing, fermentation, laboratory, or production environments.
+ Basic understanding of microbiology, sterile processing, or sanitation procedures.
+ Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate, organized documentation.
+ Strong attention to detail and reliability in a production setting.
+ Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods during production activities.
+ Strong teamwork and communication skills to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
+ Hands-on experience with sample preparation and aseptic manufacturing practices. Additional Skills & Qualifications
+ Associate degree or technical training in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field is preferred.
+ Experience working with microbial-based products or fermentation processes is beneficial.
+ Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
+ Interest in contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate-focused scientific solutions. Work Environment This role is fully onsite, five days per week, Monday through Friday, in a biological production facility focused on microbial sciences and sustainable agriculture solutions. The environment includes laboratory and production areas with sterilization and fermentation equipment, where strict aseptic techniques, sanitation procedures, and adherence to SOPs are essential. Team members collaborate closely with highly trained scientists and production staff, contributing to high-quality scientific research and manufacturing. The work involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in a fast-paced setting that emphasizes safety, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of San Francisco, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in San Francisco,CA.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) Plans
- Other Retirement and Savings