Quality Technician

Job DetailsJob Location: Stratford, CT 06615Salary Range: $22.00 - $24.00 HourlyPosition Overview:  A Quality Assurance Technician for Two Roads Brewing Company is responsible for tasks in the daily operation of the QA laboratory that include sampling, testing, and timely reporting of data to inform QA decisions.     SCHEDULE:  Sunday through Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (30-minute unpaid lunch).  Additional hours may be required during peak production months. Occasional weekend coverage may be required based on business needs.    Working Relationships:    The position reports directly to the QA Manager, or, in their absence, to the Director of QA, and collaborates primarily with the brewing department, as well as with other QA, packaging, and logistics areas.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:  Execute chemistry QA/QC Testing Procedures, including:   ABV, density, pH, and residual sugar tests.  Color and IBU assays using a spectrophotometer  Turbidity measurements  Water testing  Record data accurately and promptly  Communicate anomalous results in a timely manner to the supervisor or the QA Manager  Assist in troubleshooting activities associated with fermentation or production  Assist in shared QA/QC lab duties, including but not limited to:  Analytical measurements on green and bright beer (gravity/density, alcohol, pH)  Calibration & maintenance of chemistry-related analytical instruments  Cell counts using a Cellometer or hemocytometer  Change compressed gas cylinders  Participation in Sensory training and panels  Maintaining a clean laboratory working environment  Ensure that all production data is logged in the appropriate place(s)  Help develop and edit SOPs related to job tasks  Maintain inventory on items used for daily tasks, and report when restock is necessary  Contributes data to Supervisor for the creation of reports on QA chemistry parameters  Meets consistently with supervisor and/or QA Manager to provide and receive feedback for continuous improvement initiatives  Contribute to a safe workplace by being a good steward of safety and GBPs  Other QA related training and duties as assigned  Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship  QualificationsINCOMING CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE THESE SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Two-year degree in Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or other Social Science degree with related experience working and/or equivalent experience in a factory production setting  Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team  Demonstrated reliability and consistency in executing repetitive technical tasks with high accuracy  Excellent written and verbal skills.  Advanced Excel skills or other LIMS software preferred  Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines based on a fast-paced production facility's needs  Must be available for overtime and weekend work on a rotating schedule to cover testing and result-reporting needs  Takes ownership and initiative; has proactive mentality and approach  Attitude: Positive, team-oriented, and results-driven with a good sense of humor.  Ability to lift 50 pounds   MACHINERY, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND PPE   Microsoft Office Suite of programs, specifically Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word; Ignition software  Anton Paar GCMS, Hanna pH probes, and Perkin Elmer DMA/Alcolyzer  Spectrophotometer and turbidimeter  Basic laboratory equipment such as graduated cylinders, pipettors, sampling flasks, autoclave, sterile sampling tools, handheld density meters, etc.   General office equipment such as phones, laptops with docking stations or CPUs, tablets, copier/scanner/printers and other equipment such as coolers, refrigerators, etc.   Brewing and cellar equipment such as triclamps, gaskets, hoses, DIN wrenches/covers/fittings, Perlick valves, ODGM, etc.     PPE REQUIRED FOR JOB TASKS  Safety glasses (Z-87 rated)  Safety-toe, slip-resistant shoes or boots  Chemical/heat resistant gloves if necessary    ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS  Exposure to Weather, such as extreme cold or heat: Occasionally - While outside traveling to and from retains room or A2, or while in a refrigerated warehouse or boiler room for short periods of time, or on the production floor during seasonal weather.  Wet and/or Humid: Regularly- Maneuvering throughout the facility which is regularly wet and slippery.   Exposure to Concerning Air Quality: There is a potential for exposure during travel through the facility, as the use of brewing, packaging and cleaning products and chemicals may be in use at any time. These hazards include airborne grain dust, hop dust, pungent chemicals.   Noise-Intensity: Loud/Regular. When the mill is in operation, centrifuge, or packaging fillers are running or dry hopping is happening.   Exposure to Heights: Occasionally, if visiting malt room, mezzanine or catwalk, or if you need to use a step stool or 6' ladder to reach stored items.   Proximity to Moving Parts/Equipment: Regularly. Electric tote lift, electric pallet jack, and forklifts are driven in multiple locations in the facility, as well as maneuvering throughout the facility where packaging lines have conveyors and many moving parts.  Exposure to Electric Shock: Low potential, but it could be a hazard  Workplace Safety Hazards: You may often come into contact with physical obstacles such as tripping hazards, blind corners with moving people or machines, or the use of pneumatic, hydraulic or electric potential and kinetic energy sources, as well as chemical hazards  Exposure to Toxic or Caustic Cleaners: Possible, but only when proximal to places where they're dispensed or in use, such as bulk storage areas for caustic and acid cleaners, bleach, peracetic acid sanitizer, enzyfoam; or during a CIP on machinery that uses these chemical cleaners.