Cellar Person / Centrifuge Operator

Smog City Brewing Company - Cellar Person / Centrifuge Operator

Job Type: Full Time, Hourly, non-exempt

Pay rate: $18 - $24 per hour based on experience

Join Smog City Brewing Company’s exceptional production team as our Centrifuge Operator / Cellar Person in Torrance!

We are looking for a passionate and experienced operator to steward our beer through fermentation and clarification, making sure it’s ready to package. This role is an integral part of the Smog City team and touches every beer that Smog City produces with a focus on impeccable execution.

A Smog City Cellar Person’s main role is to clarify and carbonate beer to package ready standards while living and breathing the Smog City Brewing core values of quality, community and respect. They also support the production team with daily cellaring duties such as tank cleaning, tank checks, quality control tests, and dry hopping to trained SOP’s as needed. They have excellent attention to detail and work in a safe, clean, organized and efficient way to accomplish assigned tasks. 

Employee Perks and Benefits

• Beer benefits! - On site and off site allocations per shift, and monthly sixtel keg available to all Smog City employees. Employee discounts when visiting all of our taproom locations.
• Smog City merch! - Uniform allocations and discounted Smog City apparel.
• Health benefits - Full time employees are eligible for company supported health insurance, eye care, dental and our 401k after their probationary period.
• Paid time off accrued after probationary period.
• Additional time off on approval - At Smog City we know that life is lived both at the brewery and outside. We strive to ensure that all our employees have the time they need as long as their responsibilities are completed.
• Education opportunities - With high quality standards over a wide variety of beer styles and production techniques, there is something to learn every day at Smog City. We support a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop.
• Fun and supportive environment - We support and respect all kinds of individuals in our Smog City community. We strive to create a safe and productive work environment for all and have fun doing it. After all… it’s beer!
• Work in support of our planet - Smog City Brewing is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and supports local environmental non-profits.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate Centrifuge
• Operate Andritz CA 71-V centrifugal clarifier to trained SOPs and communicate any issues in a timely fashion.
• Ensure clarity standards are met while maximizing product recovery from fermentation vessels
• Ensure target D.O. and CO2 levels in finished beer
• Assist in preventative maintenance to ensure the centrifuge is running smoothly.
• Data recording
• Make all pertinent measurements of processes incl. temp, pH, gravity, D.O., CO2
• Use paper logs, spreadsheets, and production software to record data related to all the above
• Perform transfers, CIPs and tank checks to ensure the highest quality beer possible.
• Perform assigned cellar tasks
• Use safe chemical handling practices to SOP’s
• Daily Tank Checks
• Count cells with Nexcelom cellometer, gravity readings using Anton Paar densitometers
• Perform forced diacetyl testing 
• Perform dry hopping and yeast handling
• Harvest yeast
• Crop excess yeast 
• Dry hops and rousing of dry hopped beers
• Clean kegs using keg washer as needed. Keep equipment clean and keg area orderly.
• Perform general brewery operations and maintenance tasks as assigned
• Maintain the equipment you use and communicate problems early
• Warehousing
• Receive raw materials and packaging supplies.
• Drive a forklift safely and understand safety protocols.
• Maintain a safe, clean and positive work environment.
• General cleaning and organization

General Expectations

• Maintain the operational efficiency and safety of the equipment you use. Catch it before it breaks, fix it if you can, bring it to someone’s attention if you can’t.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and brewery at all times.
• Work hard and efficiently to ensure Smog City beer maintains quality standards into the package.
• Assist in safety compliance and QA/QC.
• Learn and adhere to standard operating and safety procedures. 
• Stay organized and communicate effectively
• Note - all staff help out wherever they are needed. The above are guidelines but additional responsibilities may, and most likely will, be required. 
• Communicate through the various channels on different platforms. 

Minimum Physical Abilities

• Must be in good physical condition and able to maneuver in confined spaces.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, and/or crouch for extended periods of time.
• Must be able & willing to work early morning, daytime, evening and/or weekend shifts.
• Must be able to lift 55 lbs. (malt bag!) to shoulder level repeatedly and maneuver at least 165 lb. (full keg!) containers safely.

Necessary Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use your time efficiently.
• Knowledge of the brewing process and how everything you do affects the quality of the beer.
• Excellent beer knowledge, a good sense of smell and taste with the ability to communicate what you are sensing.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Subject line of the email must read: Seven Sicilian sailors sailing the seven seas.
• Communicate clearly and concisely with respect to all personnel at all levels, in addition to customers.
• Forklift experience is a plus.

Education/Experience

• A minimum of six months of professional experience at a commercial brewery.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or formal brewing education preferred.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to ilovebeer@smogcitybrewing.com

The cover letter should describe why you are interested in the position and why Smog City Brewing Company should hire you.

Please provide a resume that includes all relevant work history. It should also contain your education and any formal/informal brewery training.