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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kombucha Pasteurizer

💰 $22 - $32 per hour

ManufacturingFood & Beverage ProductionQuality ControlOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Kombucha Pasteurizer, you are the guardian of our product's integrity. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the precise thermal processing of our beverages, a critical step that ensures every bottle meets our stringent quality and safety standards before it reaches our customers. You will operate, monitor, and maintain sophisticated High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization systems, manage sanitation cycles, and meticulously document all critical control points. This position requires a technically-minded individual who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and understands that their work directly impacts product excellence and consumer safety. You will be a key player on the production floor, collaborating closely with brewing, quality assurance, and packaging teams to ensure a seamless and efficient process from start to finish.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Beverage Production Technician
  • Cellar Operator or Brewing Assistant
  • Food Processing Equipment Operator
  • Dairy Pasteurizer Operator

Advancement To:

  • Lead Pasteurizer / Senior HTST Operator
  • Production Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor
  • Process Improvement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Aseptic Filling Operator
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Brewing Process Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Expertly operate and monitor High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization equipment to ensure precise thermal processing of kombucha according to established recipes and critical control points.
  • Conduct pre-operational inspections and execute full start-up and shutdown procedures for the pasteurizer, tanks, and associated process piping systems.
  • Continuously monitor all critical process parameters, including temperatures, pressures, and flow rates, making real-time adjustments to maintain product specifications and quality.
  • Execute full Clean-In-Place (CIP) cycles on the pasteurizer, tanks, and transfer lines, ensuring all equipment is sanitized effectively to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Meticulously document all production and quality data on batch records and digital logs, including temperatures, times, and any deviations, ensuring regulatory compliance and traceability.
  • Collect in-process product samples at designated intervals and deliver them to the Quality Assurance lab for analysis, ensuring product meets all quality standards.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of pasteurization equipment and related systems to resolve minor mechanical or operational issues and minimize downtime.
  • Strictly adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Manage the safe and efficient transfer of finished and unfinished kombucha between brewing tanks, holding tanks, and the pasteurization system.
  • Maintain accurate and legible legal pasteurization chart recordings, verifying all pens are functioning and data is captured correctly for every production run.
  • Perform regular calibration checks on essential instruments like thermometers and pressure gauges to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area around the pasteurization equipment, adhering to all company safety policies and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with upstream (brewing) and downstream (packaging) teams to ensure smooth product flow and coordinate production scheduling.
  • Follow all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when performing maintenance, cleaning, or troubleshooting on equipment to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Assist in managing inventory of processing aids and cleaning chemicals required for pasteurization and sanitation operations.
  • Report any product quality or food safety deviations immediately to the Production Supervisor or Quality Assurance Manager.
  • Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing process efficiency, reducing waste, and improving safety in the pasteurization area.
  • Verify proper connections and valve positions for product, water, and CIP pathways to prevent product loss or contamination.
  • Assist in training new operators on the safe and effective operation of the HTST pasteurizer and associated standard operating procedures.
  • Monitor and manage utility consumption (steam, water, air) for the pasteurization process to support plant efficiency goals.
  • Conduct titrations and other chemical concentration checks for cleaning and sanitizing solutions to ensure their effectiveness.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to process efficiency.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing accurate operational data.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for process monitoring.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team for process improvement projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • HTST Pasteurization: Proven experience operating and monitoring High-Temperature Short-Time pasteurization systems.
  • CIP Systems: In-depth knowledge of automated and manual Clean-In-Place procedures, chemistry, and troubleshooting.
  • GMP & HACCP: Strong understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP principles in a food-grade environment.
  • Process Control: Ability to monitor and control sensitive process variables (flow, temperature, pressure) using PLC/HMI interfaces.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills for pumps, valves, gaskets, and sensors.
  • Food Safety Regulations: Familiarity with FDA, SQF, or BRC standards for beverage manufacturing.
  • Data Logging & Record Keeping: Meticulous attention to detail in documenting critical process data both manually and digitally.
  • Quality Control Testing: Experience with basic lab tests such as pH, Brix, and ATP swabbing.
  • Chemical Handling: Knowledge of safe handling procedures for industrial cleaning and sanitation chemicals.
  • Aseptic Technique: Understanding of aseptic processing principles to prevent microbial contamination.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Critical for monitoring precise measurements and maintaining accurate records.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly identify, diagnose, and resolve process or equipment issues.
  • Procedural Adherence: A disciplined approach to following SOPs and safety protocols without deviation.
  • Communication: Clear and concise communication with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing production schedules, priorities, and product recipes.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative spirit and willingness to support team members to achieve common goals.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to producing a high-quality product.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a Technical Certificate in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Food Science
  • Brewing Science
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Microbiology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a food or beverage production environment.

Preferred: 2+ years of direct experience as an HTST Pasteurizer Operator, Aseptic Operator, or a similar role in a dairy, juice, or beverage facility is highly preferred. Experience working within an SQF, BRC, or similarly certified GMP environment is a significant asset.

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