Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kombucha Cook
💰 $20 - $28 per hour
Food & BeverageManufacturingProduction
🎯 Role Definition
The Kombucha Cook is a hands-on production professional responsible for executing the entire kombucha creation process, from brewing the initial sweet tea to managing the intricate fermentation cycle and preparing the final product for packaging. This position is a unique blend of culinary art and process science, requiring a sharp focus on ensuring every batch meets stringent standards for quality, flavor, and safety. As a guardian of the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), the Kombucha Cook is fundamental to the product's consistency and overall excellence, serving as a critical link in the production chain.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Kitchen Staff / Line Cook
- Brewery Cellar Person
- Food Production Technician
Advancement To:
- Lead Brewer / Head Kombucha Maker
- Production Supervisor
- Quality Control Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Recipe & Product Development Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Execute the end-to-end kombucha brewing process, including the precise weighing of ingredients, brewing large-scale batches of tea, and adding sugar according to established recipes.
- Manage the complete fermentation lifecycle for multiple batches simultaneously, from initial SCOBY inoculation through primary and secondary fermentation stages.
- Diligently monitor critical control points throughout fermentation, including pH levels, temperature, Brix (sugar content), and titratable acidity, making adjustments as needed to maintain consistency.
- Maintain the health and viability of the SCOBY culture, including proper handling, storage, propagation, and selection for new batches.
- Perform sensory analysis (organoleptic testing) at various production stages to evaluate flavor, aroma, and carbonation, ensuring the final product meets our brand's flavor profile.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot production equipment such as industrial kettles, fermenters, brite tanks, pumps, filters, and carbonation systems.
- Execute the flavoring and infusion process by accurately measuring and adding juices, purees, herbs, and spices according to the production schedule.
- Conduct rigorous cleaning and sanitation of all tanks, vessels, hoses, clamps, and the general production environment using Clean-In-Place (CIP) and manual washing methods.
- Maintain meticulous and accurate production records, including detailed brew logs, fermentation data, ingredient lot tracking, and cleaning logs for traceability and quality assurance.
- Collect product samples at designated steps for in-house quality control analysis and for submission to third-party labs.
- Prepare finished kombucha for packaging by ensuring it meets all final specifications for carbonation, temperature, and clarity.
- Transfer finished product from brite tanks to the packaging line, whether for kegging, canning, or bottling operations.
- Adhere strictly to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety protocols (HACCP), and workplace safety regulations (OSHA) at all times.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with the receiving and inspection of raw materials, such as tea, sugar, and flavor ingredients, verifying quality and quantity against purchase orders.
- Support inventory management by performing regular counts of raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods, and communicating needs to the supply chain team.
- Collaborate with the quality assurance team to investigate and resolve any product deviations or non-conformances.
- Participate actively in sensory panels and new product development trials, providing valuable feedback on experimental batches.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting enhancements to production processes, safety procedures, and workflow efficiency.
- Operate a forklift or pallet jack (with certification) to move pallets of raw materials, packaging, and finished products within the facility.
- Provide support to the packaging team during peak periods or as needed to ensure production targets are met.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Deep understanding of fermentation science and basic microbiology principles.
- Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting commercial brewing or beverage production equipment.
- Experience with sanitation and sterilization protocols, including CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems.
- Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations and conversions for recipe scaling and process monitoring.
- Competency in using quality control instruments such as pH meters, refractometers, and thermometers.
- Knowledge of food safety standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP.
- Forklift certification is highly desirable.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to precision and consistency.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple batches and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive problem-solving abilities to identify and address production issues as they arise.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with other production staff, quality assurance, and management.
- A strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Adaptability and a willingness to learn and embrace new processes and technologies.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Food Science
- Fermentation Science or Brewing
- Culinary Arts
- Microbiology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years
Preferred: 2+ years of direct, hands-on experience in a commercial kombucha brewery, craft beer brewery, winery, or a similar regulated food and beverage manufacturing environment. Experience in a role requiring strict adherence to recipes and sanitation protocols is essential.