Job Summary:
The Head Brewer is responsible for leading all brewing operations for Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales, the on-site brewery and taproom at Port Farms. This full-time, exempt position oversees the entire brewing lifecycle—from recipe development and production planning to packaging, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and inventory management.
Over the past three years, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales has established a reputation for producing high-quality craft beer and delivering memorable guest experiences within one of the region's premier hospitality and entertainment destinations. We have built a strong foundation with a well-loved core beer lineup, loyal customers, and a modern brewing facility.
The Head Brewer will be responsible for maintaining the consistency and quality of our established beers while driving innovation through seasonal releases, specialty offerings, and new recipe development. This role plays an integral part in the continued growth of the brewery and its reputation as a destination for exceptional craft beer.
Beer is produced primarily for on-site consumption, with limited self-distribution.
Primary Responsibilities:
Brewing Operations & Production
- Operate and maintain the 10 bbl semi-automated, steam-jacketed Deutsche brewhouse and all associated cellar equipment.
- Oversee wort production, fermentation, filtration, maturation, and packaging operations.
- Create and manage the production schedule to meet on-site consumption demands and seasonal volume needs.
- Lead packaging processes including keg filling, cleaning, and canning line operations.
- Conduct lab work and quality testing to ensure product consistency and integrity.
Recipe Development & Innovation
- Maintain consistency and quality across the brewery's established core beer portfolio.
- Develop new recipes, seasonal offerings, specialty releases, and pilot batches that complement the Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales brand.
- Bring new products from concept through full-scale production.
- Monitor industry trends and competitive offerings to identify opportunities for innovation and product differentiation.
- Collaborate with the graphic designer, printer, and ownership on label design and brand application.
Equipment, Inventory & Procurement
- Manage preventative maintenance and cleaning of all brewery and serving equipment.
- Maintain accurate inventories of raw materials, finished goods, chemicals, and replacement parts.
- Procure brewing ingredients, chemicals, packaging materials, and equipment as needed.
- Recommend equipment improvements and capital investments that support brewery growth and operational efficiency.
Compliance, Reporting & Financial Management
- Maintain accurate brewing, production, inventory, and quality records.
- Complete all TTB and PLCB reporting, label approvals, and tax documentation.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as brewery safety standards.
- Manage brewery operating expenses in alignment with organizational goals.
- Assist ownership with production planning, budgeting, and cost forecasting.
Leadership & Team Collaboration
- Develop weekly brewing and staffing schedules in collaboration with brewery and event leadership.
- Mentor and support brewery team members while fostering a culture of safety, cleanliness, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Establish and uphold brewing standards that ensure consistent, high-quality products.
- Collaborate with Port Farms leadership, hospitality, culinary, and events teams to support overall guest experiences.
Guest Engagement & Brand Representation
- Engage with guests and staff by sharing brewing knowledge and educating customers about our beers and brewing process.
- Represent Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales at festivals, tastings, promotional events, and community activities.
- Participate in industry conferences, educational opportunities, and professional development as approved.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of three (3) years leading commercial brewing operations.
- Formal brewing education (degree, diploma, or recognized certification program).
- Demonstrated ability to maintain consistency in established beer brands while developing innovative new recipes.
- Experience bringing products from concept through commercial-scale production.
- Working knowledge of TTB and PLCB reporting, compliance, and label approvals.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and sanitation.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
- Ability to safely handle acidic and alkaline brewery cleaning chemicals.
Preferred
- Experience working in an established craft brewery with a focus on both flagship beers and seasonal innovation.
- Familiarity with Deutsche / DBT brewhouse systems.
- Experience in destination, taproom, or hospitality-integrated brewing environments.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to regularly lift up to 55 pounds and occasionally up to 170 pounds with appropriate equipment or assistance.
- Ability to stand for extended periods (10–12 hours) during brewing operations.
- Ability to bend, twist, kneel, climb stairs, and work on ladders as needed.
- Ability to work in hot, wet, noisy, and fast-paced production environments.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Less than 5% travel for conferences, education, or brewery-related events.
Work Schedule:
- <5% travel required for off-premises conferences
- Willingness to work 45+ hours per week
- 10-hour shift
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $50,000 to $65,000.
Compensation for this position is determined based on position responsibilities, relevant previous experience, and demonstrated performance.
Benefits include:
- Permissive Vacation
- Simple IRA with 3% company match
- Health Benefits (health, dental, and vision insurance) – Employer pays $275
- Free Admission for self and immediate family members to Port Farms
- Employee Discounts on food and merchandise
Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
