Brewer | Southern Tier Brewing - Lakewood, NY

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Brewer is responsible for executing daily production operations across the brewhouse, cellar, and/or packaging departments to support production, quality, and safety objectives. This role may rotate between operational areas based on production schedules and business needs. Primary responsibilities include wort or cider production, cellar operations, filtration, sanitation, process monitoring, and equipment operation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Reports to: Brewery Shift Supervisor

• Maintain proficiency in at least two production areas, including brewhouse and cellar operations; cross-functional capability is strongly preferred.
• Execute brewing, cellar, filtration, packaging, and sanitation activities in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), GMPs, and safety standards.
• Operate manual and automated brewing and process equipment.
• Produce wort and/or cider according to established production schedules and quality standards.
• Load and handle raw materials, adjuncts, and process aids throughout various stages of production.
• Set up and break down hoses, fittings, pumps, valves, and clamps for production and cleaning operations.
• Perform routine operational inspections and basic maintenance on tanks, pumps, valves, and related process equipment.
• Utilize automation and process control systems to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize production performance.
• Accurately complete production logs, batch records, and shift communications.
• Identify and promptly communicate equipment, process, quality, or safety issues to leadership.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support packaging operations and cross-functional production activities as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, quality, and operational performance.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of experience in brewing, food manufacturing, beverage production, or a related industrial environment preferred.
• Formal brewing education or prior commercial brewing experience is a plus.
• Fundamental understanding of brewing, fermentation, and sanitation processes preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• This role operates within a 24/5 or 24/7 production environment depending on facility needs.
• Flexible scheduling, including rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and overnight work, may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 55 lbs. regularly.
• Ability to safely move up to 165 lbs. of kegged beer using proper handling techniques and equipment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and frequently bend, twist, climb, kneel, crouch, and reach.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, including wrenches and propane torches.
• Ability to perform fine motor tasks and safely operate production equipment.
• Ability to evaluate product quality attributes, including color, aroma, and flavor.
• Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, and enter confined spaces when properly trained and authorized.
• Ability to obtain the ABV Forklift Certification.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a damp, wet environment with hot liquids, airborne particles, chemicals and moving machinery. The noise level in the work environment can be very loud. Appropriate PPE is required at all times.