Assistant Brewer Needed - Fernson Brewing Co. (Sioux Falls, SD)

[fernson]

Fernson Brewing Company is a growing production brewery located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We are looking for an Assistant Brewer with a passion for craft beer and the brewing process to join our team. We operate a 30BBL brewhouse and our current annual production rate is approximately 5,000 bbls. We also utilize a 5BBL small-batch pilot system, brewing a variety of beer styles for R&D and for our two taprooms on a regular basis.

JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Brewer will work under the supervision of our Head Brewer and will be involved in all aspects of the brewing, cellaring, and packaging process. The role requires a teamwork-oriented, responsible, and self-motivated individual with a desire to continue learning and growing within the craft beer industry.
The Assistant Brewer position is a full-time, hourly position with benefits. Compensation will be determined based on experience. The qualified employee must possess a minimum of the following listed skills, knowledge, and experience. If interested, please send a resume to jobs@fernson.com

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Assist Head Brewer in daily job duties including, but not limited to:
General Facility Maintenance

• Clean and organize brewery
• Dose and maintain detergent and sanitizer solutions
• Adhere to 5S Principles: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain

Brew Day Prep

• Preparing brewhouse for use
• Receive and inspect raw materials (grain, hops, yeast, etc.)
• Stage and mill grain
• Brewhouse CIP and washdown

Wort Production

• 30 bbl, 3-vessel brewhouse

Cellaring Labor

• Fermenter and Brite Tank cleaning
• Cellar monitoring, yeast handling, and pitching
• Fermentation monitoring & sample analysis (gravity, dissolved oxygen, CO2)
• Operation of Alfa Laval Brew 80 centrifuge

Packaging Prep/Runtime

• Keg cleaning/filling
• Canning line assistance

Warehousing

• Staging distributor orders
• Unloading and organizing raw materials

Miscellaneous

• Maintain proper documentation of all tasks performed
• Occasional barrel racking and special project activities

PREFERRED SKILLS & TRAITS:

• Passion for craft beer, the brewing industry, and community
• Integrity, dependability, adaptability, self-motivation, attention to detail
• Able to work independently and with the team
• Results-driven with a commitment to quality
• Able to accurately follow verbal and written directions, including existing SOPs, while helping improve practices as we grow
• Understanding of specific beer process terminologies
• Able to easily understand how things work and quickly troubleshoot equipment that may need repair or adjustment
• Able to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, monitor own work to ensure quality and apply feedback to improve performance
• Passion for cleaning and sanitizing
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot beer related issues
• Desire to take ownership and embrace continuous improvement
• Able and willing to work a variable shift schedule (from early morning to early evening) that is dependent upon the operational needs of the brewery
• Follow all company policies & procedures, reflect organizational core values and strive to maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Follow the production schedule and daily tasks determined by Head Brewer.
• Willingness to assist with tasks outside key responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work in a manufacturing setting:
• Able to lift and carry 55 lbs regularly
• Move and lift up to 165 lbs occasionally
• Able to lift, drag, carry and manipulate kegs (full or empty), hoses, and other equipment.
• Remain on feet for most of the day
• Safely navigate heat, chemical, noise, mechanical, and confined spaces risks
• Follow SOPs and directions effectively

IDEAL CANDIDATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s degree a plus (especially science, engineering or brewing education)
• Strong work ethic, punctuality, and professional maturity are a must
• At least one year of commercial brewery experience or 3+ years home-brewing
• Strong technical understanding of the brewing process and sanitation
• Experience in cellaring and brewing production
• Experience with sanitation and cleaning systems
• Lab/microbiology experience
• Forklift experience
• Valid driver’s license