Brewery Operator

About the role

We are seeking a Brewing Operator to join our team at Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi. This is a regular full-time, entry-level hourly position within the Brewing department, responsible for assisting in the brewing process by operating and maintaining cellar functions, including monitoring fermentation, quality management, and basic equipment & facility operations. This position reports directly to the Head Brewer.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures and adhere to company policies, including safe operation of equipment and maintaining a clean work environment with general housekeeping duties.
• Accurately follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and understand specific beer process terminologies.
• Work with chemicals of varying composition while adhering to safety standards during routine cleaning of brewing equipment.
• Operate both manual and computer-automated equipment while maintaining quality standards.
• Operate forklifts and other equipment as trained and directed.
• Perform CIP (Clean-In-Place), sanitation, and sterilization techniques per SOPs.
• Clean brite beer tanks, fermenters, and the overall cellar area.
• Perform daily duties including fermentation monitoring, filtration, general cleaning, and beer tasting.
• Set, monitor, and adjust fermentation tank temperatures for optimal beer conditioning.
• Record batch performance, raw material quality, and fermentation data (e.g., gravities, yeast monitoring).
• Identify and report irregularities during fermentation.
• Provide cellar support to the Brewing team, including material staging, tank preparation, and beer centrifuging/filtering.
• Maintain cellar equipment and facilities in a safe and secure manner, collaborating with the maintenance team as needed.
• Use powered industrial trucks to unload materials (e.g., trucks, totes, drums, pallets).
• Assist with various operational tasks as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D with relevant work experience.
• Self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Ability to work under stressful, fast-paced manufacturing/production conditions.
• Physical ability to frequently reach, twist, stoop, bend, crouch, stand, and walk for 2-hour shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and maneuver raw materials using carts and pallet jacks.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, without accommodation.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment and work in varying weather conditions (humidity, seasonal temperature changes).

Competencies

• Safety & Security: Observes safety procedures and uses equipment/materials properly.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Quality Control: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback.
• Quantity: Meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands and unexpected events.
• Dependability: Consistently punctual; follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback.

Pay

$23–$24 per hour, depending on experience and skills.

Schedule

Rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage.
• 401K match.
• Free beer at the end of every shift.
• Additional benefits (unspecified).