Cellar Operator

Funky Buddha Management LLC; Oakland Park (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, FL is seeking a Cellar Operator to manage fermentation, conditioning, and treatment for beer, THC beverages, and co-packed products. You will work with a fast-paced team to ensure consistent quality and efficient production.

Ideal candidates bring at least one year of production experience, a strong mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn. The role emphasizes safety, SOP adherence, and hands-on responsibilities across the cellar.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in natural sciences preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in commercial production (brewing or high-volume environment).
• Understanding of QA methods, laboratory operations, and basic chemistry/biology.
• Forklift operation experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage fermentation, conditioning, treatment, and carbonation for beer, THC beverages, and co-packed products.
• Assist with yeast handling and management; CIP of tanks and equipment.
• Operate centrifuge and plate filter for product clarification.
• Maintain accurate records from fermentation through packaging stages.
• Follow SOPs, ensure sanitary practices, and perform preventive maintenance.
• Assist with lab testing, sensory panels, and quality checks.

Skills

Brewing passion

Fermentation knowledge

CIP and sanitization

Organizational habits

Night shift flexibility

Microsoft Office proficiency

Hazardous chemicals safety

Independent multi-project work

Mechanical aptitude

Quality and safety adherence

Education

Four-year science degree preferred

Tools

Centrifuge

Plate filter

Flash pasteurizer

Brewery equipment

Job description

Funky Buddha Brewery, located in Oakland Park, Florida, was established in 2010 at its original brewpub in Boca Raton. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing, Funky Buddha creates innovative, culinary-inspired beers using high-quality, food-centric ingredients.

Since its founding, the company has expanded beyond craft beer into the production and packaging of THC- and CBD-infused beverages. In addition to producing its own portfolio of products, Funky Buddha provides co-packing services for other beverage companies. Across all areas of its operations, the company remains committed to innovation, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Job Description

The Cellar Operator is responsible for all aspects of processes related to fermentation, conditioning, treatment, clarification, carbonation, and any other steps required to achieve a consistent final product ready for packaging. This includes beer, THC beverages, and co-packed products for partner brands.

The Cellar Operator must be a hard-working, responsible, and self-motivated individual with a passion for craft beverages and a desire to continue learning and growing within the industry. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask through different processes in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment.

Example of Duties

Essential Functions

• Perform cellaring duties including fermentation management for beer, THC beverages, and co-packed products.


• Assistance with yeast handling and management.


• Execute CIP (clean-in-place) of brewing, fermentation, and beverage processing tanks and equipment.


• Operate centrifuge and plate filter for product clarification.


• Carefully execute treatment and conditioning plans for specialty and infused beverages.


• Maintain accurate records from fermentation through finishing and packaging stages.


• Follow SOPs for all products, ensuring consistent quality across Funky Buddha and co-packed brands.


• Operate flash pasteurizer and related processing systems.


• Maintain sanitary practices in all aspects of beverage processing.


• Perform preventive maintenance on brewhouse and cellar equipment.


• Assist with lab testing, sensory panels, and quality assurance activities.


• Prepare, fill, and transfer beer and other beverages to and from barrels and tanks as needed.


• Support cross-departmental production needs, including THC production and co-packing runs.


• Participate in staff training opportunities and continuous improvement initiatives.


• (This list is not exhaustive; job functions may change based on business needs.)

Supportive Functions

• Assist Brewery Operations Manager with any necessary production duties.


• Assist in any other special duties associated with beer production.


• Assist any other special duties associated with quality checks.


• May be asked to assist with other duties and special projects throughout the Brewery

Physical Requirements

• Crouching, Bending, Stooping Frequent


• Reaching Occasional


• Pushing/Pulling Occasional


• Lifting/Carrying up to 55 lbs Occasional

Safety Requirements

• Safety goggles when walking through the Production area


• Steel Toe rubber boots


• Hearing Protection in loud environments


• Safety gloves when handling industrial strength chemicals


• Employees will be trained in the proper use and care of assigned PPE. Funky Buddha Brewery provides the required PPE. It is your responsibility to report defective, damaged or lost PPE, or equipment that does not fit properly to your Manager.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• A strong passion for brewing and a desire to advance personal growth in the brewing industry


• Some understanding of brewing aspects, including cellaring, yeast handling, CIP, and sanitization


• Strong organizational habits, a self-motivated work ethic, and good critical thinking/problem solving skills


• Flexibility in terms of hours and a willingness to work night shifts, weekends, and overtime


• Computer literate with some understanding of Microsoft Office/spreadsheet programs


• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals


• Ability to work safely in a wet, noisy, and non-temperature-controlled environment


• Ability to work safely in confined spaces and around complex machinery


• Ability to stoop, squat, kneel, and crawl for purposes of collecting samples, gathering data, and cleaning


• Ability to work independently on multiple projects at one time, maintaining attention to detail with each project


• Ability to meet production, quality and safety standards


• An understanding of operational structure and system variables such as pressure, temperature and flow is preferred


• Ability to problem-solve or understand mechanical failures related to brewing system is preferred


• Open mind for cross-training and covering other department’s tasks related to beer production and quality

Qualification Standards

Education

Four-year college degree in natural sciences (e.g., microbiology, biochemistry, food science, engineering, etc.) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one-year experience in a commercial production on operations, brewery or high-volume brew pub required.


• An understanding of quality assurance (QA) methods and techniques, laboratory operations, and basic knowledge of chemistry and biology preferred.


• Prior packaging, bottling, and racking experience preferred.


• Mechanical experience and aptitude preferred.


• Forklift operation or certification preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• No special licenses or certificates required.

Grooming

All employees must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance.

Funky Buddha Brewery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.