Quality Control Intern

Job DetailsJob Location: Paso Robles - Paso Robles, CA 93446Position Type: InternshipSalary Range: $22.00 - $22.00 HourlyJob Category: ScienceJOB SUMMARY: 

The Quality Control Intern role offers hands-on experience in all functional areas of the Quality Lab department. Interns will work alongside the Quality team to support analytical, microbiological, packaging and sensory testing that ensures consistency and safety of Firestone Walker beer. This role provides exposure to real-world brewing quality systems, lab techniques and cross-departmental collaboration in a production brewery.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specifically, the responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following activities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: 

Micro

Run routine testing such as Bitterness units, Color, VDKs, Alcohols, End Gravities, pHs, Haze, and other testing as required
Complete sample collections for fermentations and brewhouse testing
Work safely and maintains a clean & safe working environment at all times
Understand hazards and utilize the appropriate personal protective equipment


Micro

Perform sterile sampling across production areas including fermentation tanks, bright beer tanks, packaged product, filtration systems, barrels, and production water sources (DAW, ROW, ozone).
Plate a variety of in process, finished product and water samples for microbial analysis
Ensure micro supplies are maintained correctly to ensure sterility before use
Prepare media, sterile water, sterile saline and other reagents as needed
Clean and autoclave micro equipment


Sensory 

Run panel testing for true to type and release tastings on all packaged products
Complete descriptive panels for beer flavor attributes and threshold testing
Complete preference and difference tests
Complete raw material tasting, including CO2, RO and de-aerated water
Complete bright beer and fermenter release testing
Maintain the warm and cold beer libraries


Packaging

Perform bright beer tank (BBT) release testing and in-process packaging quality checks including apparent extract, alcohol, color, pH, microbiological stability, CO2, and dissolved oxygen
Complete package testing for CO2, Total Package Oxygen, Dissolved Oxygen, Head Space Oxygen, Apparent Extract, Alcohol, Density, pH, Fills, Crimps, Secure Seal, Seam Checks, Keg testing and sample collection
Pull Micro/Sensory/Analytical samples 


Complete initial and on-going assigned safety training 
Data entry as required
Other duties as assigned  
QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, food science, or a related field
Knowledge of brewing & fermentation process a plus

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

Basic mathematical skills  
Rely on multiple communication styles to pass information onto team members and management 
Ability to work well in a team environment and manage multiple tasks
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing for shift handoffs
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Ability to take initiative, act promptly and be proactive with minimal supervision

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Regularly required to stand and walk 
Regularly required to use hands to handle objects and tools 
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.