Location: Kalamazoo,MI, USA
Are you interested in learning about, and experiencing, the beer brewing process? Would you like to work with a nationally-recognized brewing education program, collaborating with others who have similar interests in a fast-paced, fun environment? Then, Kalamazoo Valley Community College may have a unique and exciting opportunity for you!
Kalamazoo Valley is seeking lab assistants to work in the brewery lab in both the operations and/or the lab setting. This position helps with cleaning brew systems, fermentation and finishing vessels and other parts and equipment according to standard operating procedure (SOP) and performing metrics on beer such as testing gravities, yeast cell counts, and yeast viability assessments.
Duties include but are not limited to:
* Transferring of beer via soft piping and pumps to finishing vessels.
* Using Brewing Operations software for inventory and beer tracking purposes.
* Assisting during brew days, including student and Brew Club brews.
* Daily monitoring of fermentations.
* Application of treatments such as dry hops or other additives.
* Monitoring and correcting the carbonation of beer prior to packaging.
* Operating cellar equipment such as pumps and tanks of compressed gasses.
* Assembling and breaking down appropriate hose and part configuration depending on process.
* Packaging finished beer via kegs.
* Maintenance, transferring and emptying of kegs.
* Setting up, adjusting, and operating lab equipment and instruments.
* Performing, recording and testing results for beer metrics.
Skills required:
* Ability to multitask and adjust to changing priorities.
* Mechanical aptitude.
* Attention to detail.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
* Post-secondary coursework in Chemistry and Brewing strongly desired.
* Microbiological lab experience preferred.
* Current KVCC and/or WMU Sustainable Brewing students preferred.
Physical Demands:
* Ability to lift up to 50lbs to shoulder height and push or pull up to 160lbs.
* Must be able to crouch, bend, lift, and reach.
* Must be able to work in hot and damp conditions.
* Must be able to work with and around steam, electricity, harsh chemicals, and solvents.
* Continual moving, lifting, and manipulation of hoses, buckets, pumps, and other parts that require extended standing, lifting, crouching, and walking throughout shift.
Work Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week. Flexible schedule with work hours to be determined by the Brewery Operations Manager. Posting Date 08/26/2024 Closing Date: Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please apply online at: jobs.kvcc.edu
Kalamazoo Valley reserves the right to close this job posting once a sufficient applicant pool is established.
EEO Statement
As an employer, Kalamazoo Valley encourages, welcomes, and fosters differences because we believe that diversity makes us great. It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion, color, national origin/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, age, height, weight, familial status, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other status or characteristic protected by law, in its programs, services, employment or activities. All qualified applicants will be given equal opportunity and consideration for employment; please consider joining us as we empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Prior to a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a criminal record background check. For some positions, a credit history investigation will also be required. Information gathered will be used for job-related purposes to the extent permitted by applicable law and will not result in an automatic disqualification from an employment opportunity.