Lab Technician

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for participating in a lab program which seeks to maintain, improve, and always protect the Russian River brand, with the highest commitment to our quality standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to business needs or other reasons.

• Accurately collects and analyzes in-process and finished products (sample analysis); appropriately escalates out of specification results/trends and initiates/suggests corrective action
• Maintains product quality through adherence to good manufacturing practices, product specifications, and quality procedures; completes tasks thoroughly and accurately to ensure compliance with quality standards
• Ability to effectively prioritize, analyze, trouble-shoot, and solve problems in an efficient and timely manner
• Maintains a clean and organized work space
• Appropriately handles beers in our sour program and follows cleaning protocols
• Participates in production (brewing & packaging) processes, delivering superior internal customer service
• Identifies and communicates product that does not meet quality standards and effectively isolates the out of specification product
• Writes, updates, and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab
• Maintains and operates standard brewing laboratory equipment by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Perform packaging quality checks, delivers results when out of specification, and reacts properly to out of spec situations
• Assists in maintaining lab sample inventory and dispersion of samples. 
• Perform cell counts for samples at different processes points across the two breweries
• Manages yeast data and calculates & delivers pitch volumes in a timely manner
• Performs acid titrations
• Appropriately alerts manager on inventory of lab supplies
• Performs analytical analysis on product samples including BU’s, FAN, Turbidity, SRM
• Manages regular cell counts & data collection on yeast propagation
• Utilizes and operate all current and future lab equipment to include: micropipettes, microscope or cellometer, PCR, gas chromatograph, Alcolyzer, densitometer, CO2/O2 meters, TPO meter, UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, Shaker tables, pH Meter, laboratory centrifuge, Vortexer, laminar flow hood, Heating block, Cell disrupter, Autoclave, Cleaning agents, sanitizing agents, microbiological media, organic solvents, corrosive acids and bases, and other hazardous laboratory chemicals, including some carcinogens.
• Performs microbiological testing of beer throughout the process and accurately records results in a timely manner
• Willingness to upstart or work on continuing projects outside of regular testing
• Operate dissolved oxygen and total package oxygen meters reading trace oxygen levels
• Ability and willingness to maintain flexible work schedules, as weekends and evenings are necessary
• All other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Operate and/or learn any other laboratory equipment not listed or purchased in the future
• Principles and processes for providing excellent customer service and work quality; internal and external
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Basic understanding of the brewing process and microbiology a plus
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including MS Word and Excel. Obeer is a plus

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player
• Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or related field is required
• Minimum of 2 years in a previous lab tech position, ideally in craft beer
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace
• Professional appearance and demeanor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

In the laboratory environment of beer production, employees encounter specific physical demands and working conditions, including:

The lab position requires a combination of technical expertise, precision, and collaboration to ensure the quality and consistency of beer products. Employees must be proficient in laboratory techniques, adhere to safety protocols, and communicate effectively with colleagues while navigating different areas of the brewery, including confined spaces, to support the brewing process and maintain product integrity.