Laboratory Technician

Big Rock Brewery LP.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HSA/PSA contribution

RRSP matching

TFSA program

Birthday off

Salary increases

Recognition program

Perkopolis access

Fertility benefit

Boot allowance

Free parking

Casual dress

Employee discounts

Taproom access

Community gardens

Career development

Job summary

Big Rock Brewery Inc. in Calgary seeks a Lab Technician to join our Food Safety Quality Assurance team. You will perform sampling and analyses of raw materials, packaging, environmental samples, and beer products, ensuring our quality and safety specs are met.

You will operate diverse laboratory equipment, maintain records, and contribute to GMP/HACCP programs. Strong communication and a proactive mindset are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Completion of first phase of Chemical Lab Tech or BS in food science.
• 2+ years in brewery/ beverages QA lab preferred.
• Fast-paced work with strong prioritization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proactive problem-solver with process improvement mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, team player.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot lab instruments.
• Safely handle, dilute, and dispose of chemicals.
• Prepare media and samples for microbiological testing.
• Perform physical product testing and measurements.
• Maintain records and report results to supervisors.
• Support GMP, HACCP, and food safety programs.
• Participate in sensory panels and process improvements.

Skills

Lab testing

Quality assurance

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science

Chemical Laboratory Technology (phase 1)

Tools

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

pH meters

CO2 analyzers

Microscopes

Job description

In 1985, Ed McNally founded Big Rock Brewery Inc. (“Big Rock”) to challenge the beer trends of the time. Three bold, European-inspired offerings forged an industry during an era dominated by easy-drinking lagers and light-on-flavour beers. Today, our extensive portfolio of signature beers, seasonal offerings, ciders (Rock Creek Cider® series), hard teas, and custom-crafted private label products keep us at the forefront of the craft beer revolution—still proudly contesting beer trends and delivering flavour-forward beverages.

Big Rock has an exciting opportunity for a Lab Technician to join our Calgary-based Food Safety Quality Assurance team. Reporting to the Manager, Quality Systems & Food Safety, the Lab Technician will perform routine sampling and analyses of raw brewing materials, packaging materials, environmental samples, on-line quality and food safety checks, in-process/finished beer, and GMP Inspections. This includes both quantitative and qualitative testing to ensure our products meet Big Rock Brewery’s quality legal and food safety specifications.

RESPONSIBILTIIES

Laboratory Equipment Use & Maintenance

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot UV-spectrophotometers, pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, CO₂ analyzers, density/alcohol analyzers, TPO analyzers, autoclaves, distillation apparatus, thermometers, incubators, conductivity meters, and other lab instruments.

Safe Chemical Handling & Testing

• Safely dilute, handle, and dispose of a wide array of chemicals.
• Follow and interpret MSDS documents.
• Use fume hoods for safe chemical reactions and proper PPE at all times.

Microbiological Testing

• Prepare media and broths for bacteriological analysis.
• Collect sterile samples (beer, air, water, environmental) using safe sanitization techniques.
• Maintain and use lab glassware, microscopes, and autoclaves effectively.

Physical Product Testing

• Use precision tools (micrometers, calipers, torque wrenches) for measurements.
• Conduct can seam checks and CO₂ testing.
• Follow safety protocols for hearing, eye, hand, and foot protection.

Operational & Reporting Duties

• Monitor and maintain high-pressure steam generators and boiler chemicals.
• Build and maintain statistical spreadsheets, reporting results to supervisors and other departments.
• Participate in sensory panels to assess taste, aroma, colour, and mouthfeel.
• Contribute to the onsite BRC, GMP and HACCP food safety program.
• Develop, review, and update procedures related to laboratory analysis, GMP, HACCP, and other applicable regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and food safety policies across production, operational, and storage areas.
• Perform additional food safety, quality assurance, and compliance-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Completion of the first phase of a Chemical Laboratory Technology Program or Bachelor’s degree in a food science discipline.
• 2+ years industry experience in a brewery or food & beverage production quality lab preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong task prioritization.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to present complex technical concepts clearly.
• Proactive problem-solver with process improvement mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work both independently and in a team setting.

Role Requirements

• Manual movement of chemical drums and beer kegs on a regular basis.
• Occasional lifting to 35 kg.
• Frequent standing, bending, and brief exposure to high temperatures in the boiler room.

PERKS & BENEFITS

• $1,000 annually toward your Health Spending Account (HSA) and Personal Spending Account (PSA)
• RRSP matching program starting at 4.5% for all employees
• Company TFSA program
• Birthday off with pay
• Annual performance-based salary increases
• AwardCo employee recognition & reward program
• Perkopolis membership
• Up to $5,000 lifetime fertility treatment benefit
• Annual safety boot allowance (eligible positions)
• Free on-site parking
• Casual dress code
• Employee discounts at our brewery restaurant
• Access to our on-site employee taproom
• Community gardens at our Calgary brewery
• Employee-centric culture with regular social events and team celebrations
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development