Fair State Brewing Cooperative is seeking a full-time Brewer to join our staff in St. Paul, MN.

A little about us

Fair State is one of very few cooperatively-owned breweries in the US. We were also the first microbrewery in the United States to become unionized. We began operations at our brewery/taproom in Northeast Minneapolis in August of 2014 and expanded into a 40,000 sq. ft. production brewery in St. Paul, MN in 2017. In addition to a growing stable of core brand beers, the recent passage of the law allowing for the sale of hemp-derived THC edible products has opened a new market for our brewery. The increasing demand of contract production for THC seltzers and other beverages has created the need to expand our team.

Currently we operate a 7.5bbl brewhouse at our taproom location in Minneapolis. At our St. Paul Production Facility, we operate a 4-vessel 30bbl brewhouse. This is also the home of the Packaging Team and is where we package our beer in cans and bottles.

A little about you

We’re looking for a dedicated, hardworking, and knowledgeable person. The ideal candidate is willing to work across all brewing, cellaring, packaging, and quality operations; and be willing and able to contribute to our continued growth and excellence.

About the Job

Brewers at Fair State are responsible for more than producing wort. They are expected to collaborate with staff across the production process, participate in all aspects of production from grain to pallet, and be leaders in upholding and improving our internal processes. Shifts are 5 x 8hr per week.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Produce wort on a 30bbl 4-vessel DME brewhouse
• Perform CIP and sanitation of fermenters, brite tanks, and the brewhouse
• Perform cellar work including transfers, dry-hopping, centrifuging, and carbonating beer
• Perform yeast management (harvesting, pitching, cell counts, etc.)
• Clean kegs and keg finished beer
• Package beer (kegs and cans)
• Conduct raw and finished materials inventory counts and following inventory management processes
• Deal with barrels (wine and spirit): filling, transferring, blending, cleaning, and maintenance
• Interface with brewery management software and paper forms to complete extensive record-keeping
• Contribute to a safe working environment by following safety procedures
• Represent Fair State at events, as necessary
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, hand trucks, and vehicles as needed
• Participate in continuous improvement activities
• Perform weekly sensory evaluation of packaged product
• Contribute to recipe and process development as needed

• Desired skills and experience

• Willingness to work early and late shifts (general start times are no earlier than 5am and end no later than midnight)
• Ability to make informed decisions independently based on appropriate information
• Impeccable attention to recordkeeping with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Very strong arithmetic, problem-solving, and mechanical skills
• Ability to troubleshoot, find solutions under pressure, and change tasks quickly while maintaining focus and a constructive attitude
• Willingness to work hard, find root causes, and support long-term improvements
• Dedication to learning, improving, and contributing to a dynamic and growing team
• Commitment to ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures

• Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age as of the time of application
• Able to operate a wide variety of small hand tools
• Able to read, comprehend, and communicate with others using written and spoken English
• Able to sit (including drive) or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Able to stoop, crawl, twist, turn, lift, kneel, climb ladders and stairs
• Able to manipulate valves and clamps
• Able to regularly lift/carry heavy objects (55 lbs) repeatedly and safely
• Able to occasionally move very heavy objects (160 lbs)
• Able to comply with safe chemical handling procedures, including personal protection equipment such as gloves and goggles
• Able to safely work on ladders and elevated platforms and in confined spaces
• Able to safely operate vehicles and material handling equipment (e.g., vans, trucks, hand trucks, scissor lifts)
• Able to use a computer
• Able to work in a production environment with noise, strong odors, wet surfaces, and movement
• Able to read and interpret numerical and graphical reports
• Must have a valid drivers license, reliable personal transportation, be able to safely operate vehicles, and be able to pass insurance driving record review
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with high-pressure deadlines, time constraints, and distractions
• Able to deal constructively with conflict and disagreement

• Compensation and Benefits

  This is a full-time, hourly position compensated at $22/hour. As a full-time employee, this role is also eligible for:

• 8 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day)
• Paid Time Off, which can be used for any purpose and is accrued at a rate of 0.0769 hours of PTO per hour worked (4 weeks per year)
• Paid parental leave (160 hours of paid parental leave in the 12 months following, or the 9 months prior to, the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child in you home)
• Health insurance for employee, spouse / domestic partner, and dependents, with a portion of premiums paid by Fair State
• Dental and vision insurance, with 50% of employee and dependent premiums paid by Fair State
• Short- and Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and life insurance coverage, with 100% of premiums paid by Fair State
• Flexible savings account for medical and dependent care
• Simple IRA with employer-matching up to 3% (eligible in 2023)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted membership in our cooperative (after 6 months)
• Credit for Fair State clothing merchandise at hire
• Annual safety clothing & equipment stipend
• Employee beer stipend
• Fair State merchandise and beer discounts

• Application Process

  To apply, email a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. We’re looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

  Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact [email protected] to discuss your application.

  Equal Employment Opportunity

  Fair State Brewing Cooperative strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.