About this role
Job title: Fermentation Operator
About the Role As a Fermentation Operator at Kerry's Rochester facility, you will control the fermentation process and inoculate media with yeast and bacteria to produce fermented intermediate goods, which are later evaporated and spray dried by separate departments. You’ll monitor multiple fermentors simultaneously, follow strict recipes, and maintain high-care sanitation standards due to the microbial nature of fermented ingredients.
What You'll Do
- Operate fermenters and sterilizers, including CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) processes
- Control fermentation parameters including pH, temperature, pressure, dissolved oxygen, agitation speed, and air flow
- Inoculate media with yeast and bacteria following approved batch sheets and process descriptions
- Pump specified volumes of media through sterilizers into fermentation tanks to ensure recipe compliance
- Monitor up to 8 fermentors simultaneously at various processing stages
- Perform sampling and coordinate with the QA laboratory; take corrective action based on results
- Select and operate fermenters using FIX systems, graphical displays, real-time trends, and historical charts
- Calibrate pH transmitters, pH probes, and DO probes
- Utilize computer systems SAP for inventory control and pick lists
- Wash and clean equipment per the sanitation manual and follow GMP requirements
- Operate a forklift
- Assist other production operators as time and shift allow
- Occasionally work in confined spaces, including fermenters
What We're Looking For
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Minimum of one year fermentation or related plant operator experience
- Brewing education or experience in a brewing environment is a plus, but not required
- Ability to operate processing equipment and computerized control systems
- Working knowledge of production procedures and fermentation processes
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted, pull up to 20 pounds, and work at elevated heights and in confined spaces
- Ability to climb stairs frequently and perform physical tasks such as bending and turning valves using tools
Nice to Have
- Brewing education or experience in a brewing environment is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $24.00 - $29.00 per hour; overtime eligible
- $5k sign-on bonus
- Full-time, with full benefits starting on the first day after you start
- Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k) with company and employee contributions, Employee Share Plan, life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement
- This posting is anticipated to expire on 12/2026