Quality Control Lab Technician in NEW ULM, Minnesota at August Schell Brewing Company

We are looking for someone to join our Quality Team who has an eye for detail and a passion for making top-quality beer, proven over 165 years!

We are looking for a Quality Control Lab Technician to join our team at Schell's Brewery! This position will analyze samples according to specifications and guidelines. The Technician will take great care in handling samples, accurately performing analysis, recording data in the correct logs, and submitting data on time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

· Perform ATP Swab to ensure cleanliness.

· Calibrate various laboratory instruments and maintain calibration throughout the day by running check samples.

· Run the autoclave as needed throughout the day. Ensure there are sufficient sterile dishes to perform daily tasks.

· Prepare media per media recipes. Pour media plates as needed.

· Collect samples throughout the brewery. Ensure all samples have been collected and/or delivered and that all required testing has been performed daily.

· Perform microbial testing on daily samples. This includes membrane filtering, swabbing, various plating techniques, and Petrifilm plating.

· Read plates and phenotype samples using microscopy and staining techniques.

· Perform quality control tests throughout the brewery, including pasteurizer testing, seam checks on cans, bottle torque tests, and fill volume checks.

· Perform various analytical analyses on beer and wort samples. Preference is given to those with experience in wet-chemistry techniques, spectrophotometric assays, GC, and PCR.

· Maintain a clean and sanitary laboratory environment.

· Participate in sensory evaluations to assess the overall quality of current products and when developing new products.

· Contribute to ongoing initiatives to enhance quality assurance and food safety programs.

· Support the maintenance of documentation related to quality assurance, including SOPs, HACCP plans, and food safety records.

· Collaborate with production and maintenance in order to efficiently and effectively support production areas.

· Properly record and investigate all product quality concerns, then relay findings back to the Quality and Production Manager with potential issues and solutions.

· Work with the lab team and the other production managers to increase productivity and performance of production while maintaining the highest quality product

· Make crucial decisions in favor of cost efficiency without compromising on product quality

· Inspects machines and equipment to ensure specific operational performance/calibration and optimum utilization.

· Compiles, stores, and retrieves production data.

· Must comply with all GMP practices and PPE requirements

Perform other related duties and assignments as required and assigned

Minimum Required Skills/Abilities:

· Good safety record and excellent attendance.

· Must be a self-motivated team player with a “Can-do Attitude.”

· Basic computer (MS Office), and ability to learn company systems as needed

· Strong communication skills and the ability to read, write, and interpret SOPS and work instructions.

· Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

· Ability to interpret a variety of information furnished in written and oral form.

· Ability to manage your time and stay on task.

Education and Experience:

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biology, or microbiology (preferred but not required)

· Minimum 1-2 years of experience in the industry, lab, or quality experience.

· Knowledge of hand tools and equipment – including precision measuring devices and standard office equipment.

Working Hours & Conditions:

· 40 hours per week. Start times as early as 4:00 AM with rotating weekends.

Lab Schedule: (Schedule will rotate between shifts /employees)

Off-Season - September - March - (Mon - Fri) 1st shift 5:30 am to 2:00 pm / 2nd shift 7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Peak Season - April to August - (Mon - Fri) 1st shift 3:30 am to 12:00 pm / 2nd shift 7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Weekend Support - Every 4th weekend rotating with team. - Weekend hours are flexible between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, generally 2-5 hours.

· Must be able to work in variable climates for up to 12 hours per day, depending on the department and time of year.

Physical Requirements:

· Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with assistance.

· Must have good hand/eye coordination and a normal range of hearing and vision.

· Ability to sit and or stand for 8-12 hours per day.

· Must be able to climb multiple stairs and ladders.

Other Duties:

This job description is not intended to provide a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:

· $24.00 - $27.00 per hour based on experience and education

· 401(k) with employer match

· Medical Insurance (3 plan options)

· Dental Insurance

· Employee Product discounts

· Paid Time Off - 3 weeks starting

· Vision insurance

· Family-Owned Business