Brewing Operator (12hrs on 2-2-3 Schedule)

Role Purpose

The Brewing Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining brewing equipment, ensuring the quality and consistency of our products, and adhering to safety and sanitation protocols. The Brewing Operator should be competent with basic troubleshooting techniques in order to react with a sense of urgency to any unforeseen process events.

Accountabilities & Impact

• Safety: Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team members. Identify and report any safety hazards or concerns to the appropriate personnel. Participate in safety training programs and contribute to the development of safety initiatives to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Quality: Monitor blending process parameters such as ABV, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), CO2 concentration, Real Extract (RE), and more using in-line analytical equipment. Conduct routine quality control checks on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods to ensure compliance with specifications. Take corrective actions as needed to address deviations from quality standards and prevent non-conforming product from reaching the market. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality assurance procedures to maintain product integrity and meet customer expectations.
• Equipment Processing: Operate brewing equipment, including but not limited to fermenters, filtration and controls systems, according to standard operating procedures. Conduct routine cleaning-in-place (CIP) of brewing equipment to microbial growth or flavor carryover. Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform minor adjustments as needed to minimize production disruptions. Coordinate with maintenance technicians as equipment malfunctions arise.
• Production Efficiency: Follow production schedules and prioritize tasks to meet daily production targets and customer demand. Optimize brewing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize downtime. Communicate effectively with other team members, including brewers, packaging operators, and maintenance technicians, to coordinate workflow and resolve issues.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate production records and documentation, including batch records, data sheets, and various trackers. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, as well as regulatory requirements governing the brewing industry. Participate in audits and inspections to demonstrate compliance with quality and safety standards.

Skills & Experiences Needed

• High school diploma
• 1 year of manufacturing experience or a combination of similar experience and computer skills
• Brewing/fermentation experience - highly preferred
• Filtration experience (centrifuge, reverse ososmosis, etc.) experience – highly preferred
• Proficient in the use of computer and software skills such as MS Office, Teams, and email
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Forklift experience (certification not required) - preferred
• 2-year degree preferred

Strength & Endurance

• Ability to lift and carry heavy bags of ingredients (often 50 lbs. or more): Frequently
• Ability to lift from floor to waist/chest height (often 50 lbs. or more): Frequently
• Ability to lift overhead (often 10 lbs. or more): Occasionally
• Ability to Push/pull heavy equipment (often 50 lbs. or more): Frequently
• Manual Dexterity: Frequently, using both hands
• Manual dexterity to operate touchscreens, keyboards, and control panels with precision: Frequently
• Mobile & Flexibility: Bending, kneeling, squatting frequently: Occasionally
• Repetitive leg/foot movement: pushing, pulling, stepping on: Frequently, using both legs and feet
• Reaching (above and below shoulder level): Frequently
• Sitting: Brewing Control Screens- Steadily
• Standing (up to 12 hours per day): Continuously
• Walking (Unassisted up to 12 hours per): Continuously
• Lying on back or side for extended periods to attached parts and equipment to railcars: Occasionally
• Environmental Tolerance: Working in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty (indoor and outdoor) environments: Continuously
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, safety vest, hair/beard cover, or respirators, etc.: Continuously
• Comfortable handling ingredients that include natural colors, aromas, and other sensory elements that may cause sensitivity or allergic reactions
• Exposure to food-grade chemicals and cleaning agents - frequently
• Cordination & Balance: Safe movement around machinery: Continuously
• Able to walk and maintain stability on wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces commonly found in manufacturing areas: Continuously

Operating forklifts or other industrial vehicles (if required)

Working conditions

• Fast-paced and constantly changing work environment
• Subject to extreme temperatures
• Shift work including days, evenings, overnight shifts, and up to 12 hrs. Overtime including weekends and holidays as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand/move 8-12 hours per day
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs/ladders throughout shift
• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including (but not limited to) bump cap, safety steel toe shoes, safety glasses, dust masks or PAPRs
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)