Cellar Operator

The Cellar Operator is the guardian of beer quality from knockout to packaging. This role focuses on the technical operation of a centrifuge for mechanical clarification, the careful cleaning and sanitation of production vessels, and the proper addition of ingredients before, during, and after fermentation.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Vessel Sanitation: Execute rigorous Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sanitize-in-Place (SIP) protocols for fermenters, bright tanks, other equipment to ensure a sterile environment.
• Product Transfers: Manage the movement of beer between vessels utilizing the centrifuge to achieve desired clarity and yield while minimizing dissolved oxygen (DO) pickup.
• Cold-Side Additions: Perform precise additions of dry hops, fruit purees, and processing aids. This includes handling heavy loads at heights and following strict safety protocols.
• Quality Control & Sensory: Conduct basic cellar lab work (DO/CO2 testing, ATP testing) and maintain meticulous logs to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
• Finished Product Preparation: Prepare transferred beer for packaging verifying carbonation level, style-accurate clarity and flavor, and coordinate with packaging team that product is ready.
• Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Performs routine preventative maintenance on cellar machinery. Identifies mechanical issues and assists in basic repairs to minimize downtime.
• Communication & Task Management: Carefully follow work schedule and complete tasks with efficiency and attention to detail. Communicate clearly and concisely with all team members regarding task status.
• Safety & SOP Adherence: Follows all established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols. This includes the safe handling of chemicals, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintaining a safe workspace.
• Detailed Record Keeping: Maintains precise logs of all production activities. Utilizes both physical logs and brewery management software to track gravities, temperatures, transfers, and packaging yields.
• Cleanliness & Organization: Maintains a clean and organized production environment. Ensures tools are clean and returned to designated locations and that cellar and packaging areas remain tidy and efficient.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Age Requirement: Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Experience: 1+ years of professional experience in a production brewery or high-volume manufacturing environment is preferred
• Professional Skills: Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Must possess strong critical thinking skills and the ability to follow SOPs and verbal directions precisely.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak loudly and clearly in a high-decibel production environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENT:

• Strength & Stamina: Ability to stand and move for the duration of their shift, lift 55 lbs repeatedly, and maneuver 165 lb kegs.
• Agility: Ability to use ladders/step ladders and frequently kneel, stoop, crouch, and perform repetitive motions.
• Work Environment: Comfort working in a loud industrial environment with exposure to hot and cold temperatures, wet floors, and dust.
• Safety: Ability to work safely around mechanical parts and hazardous chemicals (acids/caustics) while using required PPE.