Filtration Operator

Job Title: Filtration Operator

Status: Full Time

Location: Rochester, NY

Department: Brewing Operations

Reports to: Brewing Manager – Cold Block

Job Type: Union, Non-Exempt

Shift: Rotating Shifts; Flexibility to work all shifts, including early mornings or weekends.

Position Objective:

The Filtration Operator is responsible for the efficient, safe, and high-quality clarification of beer from bright tanks using plate-and-frame or cartridge filtration systems, controlled primarily through the BRAUMAT automation interface. This role ensures maximum yield with minimum oxygen uptake, strict adherence to quality specifications (turbidity/color), and rigorous CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Filtration Process Management

• Operate and monitor the filtration process via the BRAUMAT system, utilizing pre-set recipes for different beer styles.
• Set up, operate, and tear down filtration equipment (e.g., plate-and-frame filter, /cartridge filter).
• Manage beer transfers from fermentation vessels to bright tanks, using BRAUMAT's Route Control system to manage pathing and prevent unwanted mixing.
• Monitor and adjust filtration parameters (pressure, flow rate, turbidity) in real-time to maintain consistency

Quality Control & Analytical Testing

• Perform quality checks (haze, color, carbonation, dissolved oxygen) to ensure product meets specifications.
• Ensure all transfers are conducted with low-oxygen pickup (DO management).
• Record, analyze, and store all batch-related data and KPIs within the BRAUMAT reporting system.
• Troubleshoot issues during filtration and escalate to the head brewer manager as necessary

Sanitation & Maintenance

• Perform CIP (Clean-in-Place) on filters, hoses, pumps, and tanks to ensure microbiological stability.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary working environment in the cellar.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on brewery equipment.

Multitasking & System Management

• Parallel Processing: Simultaneously oversee cold-side filtration and hot-side transfers while maintaining sanitation schedules.
• Braumat Dashboard Monitoring: Utilize the HMI to track real-time flow rates, temperature deviations, and tank pressures across different brewery zones.
• Prioritization: Demonstrate the ability to pivot between manual tasks (hose hookups, chemical dosing) and automated monitoring without losing focus on critical process limits.

Emergency Protocols & Safety Compliance

• Emergency Interventions: Ability to rapidly diagnose and respond to system alarms within the Braumat interface, including emergency stop procedures for centrifugal pumps and automated valve route overrides in the event of a leak.
• Pressure Safety: Strict adherence to pressure limits for stainless steel vessels; ensuring Pressure Relief Valves (PRVs) are functional and monitoring for "geysers" during dry-hopping or venting.
• Chemical Hazard Response: Proficiency in OSHA-compliant hazard communication, including the use of eye-wash stations, proper PPE (chemical-resistant gloves and goggles), and immediate spill response procedures for caustic and acid

Communication & Team Coordination

• Brewhouse-Cellar Handshakes: Establish clear "verbal and digital handshakes" with the Hot Side before initiating hot-side transfers or CIP cycles to ensure shared assets (pumps, hoses, Braumat routes) are available and clear.
• Active Reporting: Maintain a continuous feedback loop using standardized cellar logs, reporting any out-of-specification turbidity, DO spikes, or mechanical vibration immediately.
• SOP Compliance: Follow and contribute to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain batch consistency and safety during complex multitasking windows.
• Shift Handoffs: Participate in detailed shift briefings to communicate the status of active tanks, ongoing pressures, and any equipment maintenance needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be 21+ years of age.
• 1 year of operator or manufacturing experiences is required. 3+ years of experience are preferred.
• Commercial brewery, cellar operations, and/or filtration experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with automation or process controls systems is required. BRAUMAT systems experience with an understanding of fermentation and tank management is preferred.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot pumps, hoses, and filtration equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and ensure quality records and ensure quality standards.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions

• Frequent walking and stair climbing is required.
• Ability to operate hand tools and machinery as needed.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs., push, pull, climb, crawl, stoop, kneel and bend.
• Frequent exposure to cold, wet, noisy, and hazardous chemical environments.

Perks

• Generous Benefits with options to fit your life
• Blue4U Discounts
• Retirement Options with employer contributions
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Gainsharing Bonuses
• Union Support
• Genesee Brew House discounts
• Culture of pride and community involvement
• And of course, beer!

The starting pay rate is $21.01/hour. This rate will increase to $22.85/hour after 6 months, and to $29.10 after 12 months, as set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Drug Testing Statement: After a conditional offer of employment, a covered employer may require job applicant to submit a drug test.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetics, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The Company participates in E-Verify. Please see the attached link e to the federal government’s notice on E-Verify

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