Cellar Operator

Funky Buddha Management LLC•Oakland Park, FL

About The Position

The Cellar Operator handles beverage-processing operations required to bring beer, THC beverages, and co-packed products to a consistent final product ready for packaging. Work includes fermentation, conditioning, treatment, clarification, carbonation, and other finishing steps. The role calls for a responsible, self-motivated person with a passion for craft beverages, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple processes in a fast-paced, changing environment. The Cellar Operator also supports brewery operations, quality checks, cross-departmental production, and continuous improvement. The position may involve other brewery duties and special projects as business needs require. Employees must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance and perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in commercial production operations, a brewery, or a high-volume brewpub.
Some understanding of brewing processes, including cellaring, yeast handling, CIP, and sanitization.
Strong organizational habits, a self-motivated work ethic, and critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Flexibility in work hours and willingness to work night shifts, weekends, and overtime.
Computer literacy and some understanding of Microsoft Office or spreadsheet programs.
Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals, in confined spaces, and around complex machinery.
Ability to work safely in a wet, noisy, and non-temperature-controlled environment.
Ability to stoop, squat, kneel, and crawl to collect samples, gather data, and clean.
Ability to work independently on multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
Ability to meet production, quality, and safety standards.
Ability to work with required personal protective equipment and maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance.
No special licenses or certificates are required.

Nice To Haves

Four-year college degree in natural sciences, such as microbiology, biochemistry, food science, or engineering.
Understanding of operational structure and system variables such as pressure, temperature, and flow.
Ability to troubleshoot or understand mechanical failures related to brewing systems.
Openness to cross-training and covering tasks in other departments related to beer production and quality.
Understanding of quality-assurance methods and techniques, laboratory operations, and basic chemistry and biology.
Prior packaging, bottling, and racking experience.
Mechanical experience and aptitude.
Forklift operation experience or certification.

Responsibilities

Perform cellaring duties, including fermentation management for beer, THC beverages, and co-packed products.
Assist with yeast handling and management.
Execute clean-in-place (CIP) procedures on brewing, fermentation, and beverage-processing tanks and equipment.
Operate centrifuges and plate filters to clarify products.
Carry out treatment and conditioning plans for specialty and infused beverages.
Maintain accurate records from fermentation through finishing and packaging.
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent quality across Funky Buddha and co-packed brands.
Operate the flash pasteurizer and related processing systems.
Maintain sanitary practices throughout beverage processing.
Perform preventive maintenance on brewhouse and cellar equipment.
Assist with laboratory testing, sensory panels, and quality-assurance activities.
Prepare, fill, and transfer beer and other beverages to and from barrels and tanks as needed.
Support cross-departmental production needs, including THC production and co-packing runs.
Participate in staff training opportunities and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Assist the Brewery Operations Manager with production duties as needed.
Assist with special duties related to beer production and quality checks, and other brewery projects as assigned.