QA/QC Lab Technician- Wicked Weed Brewing

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

Job Title: QA/QC Lab Technician Date: 01/27/2025

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly / Non-Exempt

Department: Quality

Location: Production, 145 Jacob Holm Way

Reports To: Quality Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Summary:

At Wicked Weed Brewing, we Craft for Better to create moments that unite people and enrich communities. We strive continuously to create a safe and inclusive workplace while supporting our communities and reducing our environmental impact. We celebrate unique perspectives and experiences that everyone brings, fostering a culture where employees are valued and empowered.

As an important member of the Wicked Weed Brewing Team, the QA/QC Lab Technician position helps maintain and exceed the high quality standards we set for our beer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Quality over quantity at all times and an ability to work independently.
• Collect samples for microbiological analysis, analytical tests, and sensory analysis.
• Data entry and analysis including excel spreadsheet development and expansion.
• Raw materials, package product and dry goods testing.
• Aseptic processing of microbiological samples using selective media and rapid tests.
• Microbiological media preparation, reagent preparation, calibration of instruments, and general cleaning/upkeep of the lab.
• Clear communication with the Quality Manager, Director of Operations, Packaging Manager, and other QA/brewery staff about specific beers or other points of the brewery.
• Inventory management and ordering as a part of the laboratory staff.
• Eagerness to learn and expand your knowledge base while being willing to add input or research topics.
• Assistance with sensory panel execution.
• Minor travel between multiple locations for sample collection and sensory panels.
• Completing computer-based work, as required to full job or department duties.
• Performs various tests on packaged goods to ensure QA/QC parameters are met.
• Monitors packaging line operations to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices and SOP’s.
• Blocks packaged product per SOP to ensure quality standards.
• Ability to work flexible schedule (early morning, late nights, weekends etc.)

Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal communication, writing skills, and experience with the Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel, sharepoint, google docs).
• Ability to work well in a team.
• The ability to complete work in a timely manner in stressful environments while following all safety protocols is a must. Work will need to be completed around active buildings with forklift traffic, high heat/humidity, and chemicals (like highly alkaline or acidic solutions).
• Basic computer skills including using the internet and using MS Office software.
• Love of craft beer and a desire to see the best product leave the brewery every time.

Education and/or Experience:

• A 4-year degree in Biology, Chemistry, Fermentation Science, Food Science or other related programs is recommended.
• Previous brewery / laboratory experience recommended.

If you don’t fit all the above Qualifications, please don’t let that stop you from applying!

You may have something special to bring to the table that we forgot to list. Everyone deserves a chance as far as we’re concerned.

Work Environment:

• The work environment is usually that of a brewery.
• The employee regularly works with hazardous machinery, materials and chemicals.
• The employee works on wet floors and with wet equipment.
• The employee regularly works around high voltage, hot water and steam.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to handle heavy objects safely and with proper body mechanics – Lift and move objects weighing up to 35 lbs. and occasionally maneuver objects weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to perform work in a non-temperature-controlled environment.
• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time standing and/or walking. Walking surfaces may be wet and/or slippery.
• Ability to frequently sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb.
• Ability to frequently talk, hear, and smell.
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.