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 here.
ALERT: Fraudulent Online Employment Scams
Always beware of online scams involving job offers! FIFCO USA does not make employment offers via social media or private messaging. Unfortunately, scammers have tried to collect and steal personal and confidential data by impersonating company employees. To protect yourself, never share your personal information through an insecure source online. FIFCO USA will never request any form of payment or payment information during the employment process.
For more information on this topic and helpful fraud prevention tips, please visit the FBI website at fbi.gov.
