BREWER TECHNICIAN - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Tech 1 - What You Will Do

• Performs the full range of responsibilities and related tasks within their assigned brewing area (Brewing, Cellar, or Filtration) safely, efficiently, in accordance with SOPs, and with a focus quality
• Works with a wide range of brewing, cellar, and filtration equipment which varies from completely manual and hands-on to fully automated and controlled with brewing automation software and every imaginable combination in-between
• Monitors all process parameters: flow rates and volumes, process times and temperatures, pH levels, turbidity, density measures, and other parameter settings to ensure quality standards and product specifications are being met at all times
• Performs both automated and manual CIP of brewing vessels, fermenters, heat exchangers, flowmeters, sensors, centrifuges, filters, yeast brinks, and all associated piping and valving including assembly and disassembly of process lines, loops, and vessel entry. Mixes and uses chemicals safely and with appropriate PPE in accordance with OSHA and SNBC safety standards
• Handle, prepare, and stage materials in accordance with all food safety protocols, Organic handling procedures, and inventory management practices and according to SOPs, recipes, and schedules
• Ensures proper performance of equipment on shift; performs basic and routine maintenance and troubleshooting of process equipment, makes mechanical adjustments as necessary, and escalates maintenance issues using the work order system when basic repairs cannot be made in real time
• Monitors and reports on product and equipment performance on shift. Based on limits outlined by SOP’s, reacts appropriately when limits are exceeded, and escalates abnormalities to Leads and Supervisors
• Maintains an organized, sanitary, and safe work area and ensures daily cleaning and housekeeping tasks are performed in accordance with good manufacturing and 5S practices
• Communicates effectively and works collaboratively with other brewing team members as well as supporting production teams (Quality, Packaging, Maintenance, etc.) regarding status of brewing processes and as necessary to support production objectives
• Engages in quality assurance activities, to include Analytical, R&D, and Micro sampling during several brewing processes, to ensure products always meet quality specifications and standards as well as customer expectations
• Performs other duties as assigned and assists other team members as needed

Tech 2 - What You Will Do

• Proficient in all SOPs and best practices for brewing operation areas (Brewing, Cellar, and Filtration), consistently works in a safe and efficient manner, and evaluates and recommends process improvements or SOP revisions.
• Monitors and notes variations for all process parameters: flow rates and volumes, process times and temperatures, pH levels, turbidity, density measures, and other parameter settings to ensure quality standards and product specifications are being met at all times.
• Proficient in CIP of brewing vessels, tanks, process lines, fermenters, centrifuges, filters and yeast brinks including assembly and disassembly of process lines, loops, and vessel entry for manual brewhouse cleaning. Mixes and uses chemicals safely in accordance with OSHA and SNBC standards; trained in confined space.
• Proficient in utilizing inventory control software (Phoenix WMS and Switchboard) for material receiving, data entry and lot tracking for FIFO and traceability programs; Stage materials in accordance with inventory management practices and prepare for brewing according to set recipes and schedules.
• Proficient in use of all process automation systems to control production and cleaning processes, monitor product movement and instrumentation readings, detect problems and troubleshoot deviations. Based on limits outlined by SOP’s, reacts to process deviations and escalates abnormalities appropriately.
• Maintain an organized, sanitary, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and GMP; performs routine GMP audits and reports findings.
• Ensures proper performance of equipment on shift; performs maintenance and troubleshooting of process equipment & makes mechanical adjustments as needed; escalates maintenance issues using the work order system when repairs cannot be made immediately.
• Frequently communicates and works collaboratively with other brewing team members as well as supporting production teams (Quality, Packaging, Maintenance, etc.) regarding status of brewing processes and as necessary to progress production objectives.
• Engages in continuous improvement initiatives to further company and department objectives in safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Performs other duties as assigned and assists other team members as needed.

Tech 1 Qualifications

• Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Brewing/Fermentation preferred or
• Any combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved preferred
• Professional Brewing experience preferred
• Basic Mechanical Repair Experience preferred
• Availability and flexibility to work early morning, afternoon, or night shifts, including weekends and occasional holidays
• Solid knowledge or aptitude to learn fundamental brewing concepts: raw materials, brewhouse operations, cellar management, and filtration principles
• Comprehensive understanding of a production environment, the physical nature of the work, and inherent safety considerations
• Ability to accurately follow and adhere to SOPs and policies
• Understanding of COP, CIP, sanitation and sterilization techniques
• Basic knowledge and understanding in the areas of math, physics, chemistry, microbiology, computer skills and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure while performing time sensitive tasks
• Ability to work with both automated process interfaces and manual brewery operations is strongly desired
• Ability to maintain a high focus and attention to detail while managing multiple, simultaneous tasks is essential
• Forklift Certification within 90 Days required
• Narrow Isle Lift Certification within 90 Days required
• Scissor Lift Certification within 90 Days required
• Boom Lift Certification within 90 Days required
• Cart Caddy Certification within 90 Days required

Tech 2 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associates in Brewing or Fermentation preferred or
• Diploma or Basic Brewing Certificate required required
• 1 year Production Brewing experience required
• 2 years Professional Brewing Experience preferred
• Basic Mechanical Repair Experience preferred
• Proficient with MS365 Office suite in addition to a CMMS for creation and completion of Work Orders
• Ability to work independently to quickly assess the status of operations and troubleshoot processes is strongly desired
• Proven track record demonstrating comprehensive understanding of raw materials handling, brewhouse operations, cellar operations, and filtration procedures
• Comprehensive understanding of COP, CIP, sanitation and sterilization techniques
• Understanding of specific beer process terminologies as well as basic understanding of math, physics, chemistry, microbiology, mechanical and computer skills
• A demonstrated ability to work with automated processes interface, as well as manual brewery operations is essential
• A demonstrated ability to maintain a strong attention to detail while managing multiple, simultaneous tasks is essential
• A demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and coordinate tasks in a cross-functional, cross-departmental team environment
• A demonstrated ability to work unsupervised, identify abnormalities, and make routine decisions
• Forklift Certification within 90 Days required
• Narrow Isle Lift Certification within 90 Days required
• Scissor Lift Certification within 90 Days required
• Boom Lift Certification within 90 Days required
• Cart Caddy Certification within 90 Days required

See Job Description