QA Tech/Brewer

CRUX FERMENTATION PROJECT LLC•Bend, OR

just now

About The Position

The QA Tech/Brewer is responsible for learning the general floor work of a Brewer/Cellar person. This person is also responsible for the development and general oversight of the Quality Department at Crux Fermentation Project. An important part of the Production team, the QA Tech/Brewer collects, monitors and analyzes data, designs and implements controls and ensures quality of product from raw material, through production and into the market.

Requirements

Passion – for the craft industry
Enthusiastic, Energetic & Self-Motivated
Organized – with excellent time management skills
Team Player – with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Interpersonal Skills – ability to actively listen and cooperatively solve problems, relates well to others
Problem Solver – ability to think quick on your feet and fix problems
Personal Integrity – exhibits a high degree of professionalism and commitment to following through and achieving results
Effective Communicator – possesses strong written and verbal communication skills
Time Management – is able to triage and prioritize both day to day and longer-term projects
Results Focused – self-motivated, works as hard and long as needed to achieve results
Highly motivated and able to work independently with minimal training or supervision
High attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
Strong troubleshooting/problem solving/logic/process of elimination skills related to quality
High School Diploma or GED required
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Valid driver’s license in the State of Oregon
Drug Free
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening, weekends, and holidays
A 90-day probation period with a strict review will be conducted to determine if an employee is meeting expectations of Crux
Must be able to perform simple grasping, fine manipulation, and repetitive hand and arm movements frequently
Must be able to bend, squat, crawl, kneel, push, pull, and walk on uneven surfaces on an occasional basis
While primarily in an indoor job, you must be able to walk outside in a variety of weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, heat)
Must be able to work in hot, cold, and wet environments
Must be able to climb stairs both inside and outside and frequently lift 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 60 lbs.
Must be able to drive vehicles with either a manual and / or automatic transmission
Must be able to use a ladder, i.e., work at heights of 10+’ above grade
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

A four-year College degree is a plus
3 years of experience in quality or brewing is a plus
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, mobile applications, and technology
Experience with Orchestrated Beer or an SAP business platform is a plus

Responsibilities

Proficient in all areas of brewing / cellaring / packaging / racking production
Complete brewing process in a safe and efficient manner. This includes, but is not limited to; milling, mashing, and lautering, wort boiling and transferring to fermenter
Maintaining the use of standard operating procedures
Monitor pitch and evaluate yeast as needed
Monitor supply of raw materials and other inventory items
Monitor gravities, temperatures, and carbonations
Stay current with developing beer styles around the world and help build formulations based on these styles. Propose new styles of beers with unique brewing processes and ingredients. Practice “no fear” brewing.
Work closely with other Crux departments and staff to maintain a current and comprehensive understanding of the Crux beer offerings, brewery history, beer styles, new releases, and culture
Provide leadership for the brewery staff through education and training
Create and improve brewery standard operating procedures (SOPs) for every critical step
Build and maintain solid relationships with all vendors. Maintain a minimum of two vendors for all critical ingredients
Assist with brewery reporting and record keeping
Participate in Crux-themed promotions and educational beer events as needed
Continue to develop and implement a quality program at Crux Fermentation Project
Continue to develop and implement both a bright beer and finish beer release program
Continue to develop daily sampling, analysis, and organization of data in accordance with a designated sampling plan
Contribute to a culture of consistency and constant improvement while inspiring creativity
Weekly microbiological sampling and testing (aseptic techniques, plating, microscopy) in accordance with a designated sampling plan
Provide weekly and monthly KPI reports to brewing team and management noting product trends and quality deviations
Apply high level root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills to resolve process and beer quality issues or concerns
Oversee yeast management including harvest and propagation scheduling, cell counts, viability counts, pitch rate calculation, and propagation
Packaged product sampling and analysis including gas analysis, seam analysis, microbiological analysis, and total package quality checks
Formulates and maintains quality control objectives and coordinates objectives with production procedures with other managers to maximize quality and reliability and to minimize costs
Care, cleaning and maintenance of all laboratory equipment including C-Box, UV Spectrometer, pH meters, Alcolyzer and densitometer
Develop a sensory analysis program, conduct scheduled sensory training for company staff
Manages the laboratory budget and inventory as well as making recommendations for new laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and services
Conduct periodic Internal Quality Assurance audits
Participate in weekly meetings with brewing management team to assist with total brewery process flow
Maintain a standard of conduct that is supporting company vision and policy
Participation in Professional Brewing organizations with focus on keeping up to date with industry trends
Prompt and Professional response to all Quality concerns and inquiries
Utilize Orchestrated Beer for data storage and reporting