Lead Brewer- Part Time

Nombase Education; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Stanford University is launching a new on-campus brewery located within the EVGR Pub. The temporary, part-time Lead Brewer will operate all aspects of production, work with a consultant during startup, and develop the expertise to lead production.

The role emphasizes public-facing engagement with guests and events, with a path to a permanent Lead Brewer position as the program evolves. Safety, quality, and documentation are integral to daily duties.

Qualifications

• Commercial brewing experience in a brewpub or production brewery.
• Strong understanding of brewing science, fermentation, cellaring, and quality control.
• Experience operating small-scale commercial brewing systems.
• Excellent organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Operate all aspects of brewery production, including milling, brewing, fermentation, cellaring, kegging, packaging, and sanitation.
• Develop and execute production schedules to maintain inventories of core and seasonal beers.
• Maintain high beer quality through consistent brewing practices and QA procedures.
• Maintain production, inventory, and regulatory records; ensure safety and compliance.
• Coordinate maintenance and troubleshooting of brewery equipment; manage supplies and budgets.

Skills

Brewing experience

Brewing science

Recordkeeping

People skills

Independent work

Education

Formal brewing education or certification

Tools

Brewery software

Inventory software

Job description

$28–$34 per hour, depending on qualifications and relevant experience

About the Opportunity

Stanford University is launching a new on-campus brewery located within the EVGR Pub. The brewery features a professionally designed 3-barrel electric brewhouse with modern fermentation and cellar facilities and will produce Stanford-branded beers exclusively for campus hospitality, special events, and university programming.

This temporary, part-time position offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help establish one of the nation's most distinctive university brewery programs and the only brewery at Stanford University. Working alongside an experienced brewery consultant during startup and commissioning, the successful candidate will progressively assume responsibility for day-to-day brewery operations while developing the technical and operational expertise needed to independently lead production.

Stanford anticipates creating a permanent Lead Brewer position as the brewery program evolves, subject to university approval and operational needs. Individuals serving in this temporary role will have the opportunity to develop the skills, experience, and institutional knowledge that will prepare them to compete for future opportunities should a permanent position become available.

Beyond brewing exceptional beer, the Lead Brewer will play an important public-facing role by engaging with pub guests, participating in special events, and helping create an inviting and educational brewery experience for the Stanford community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate all aspects of brewery production, including milling, brewing, fermentation, cellaring, kegging, packaging, and sanitation.
• Develop and execute production schedules to maintain appropriate inventories of core and seasonal beers.
• Maintain high standards of beer quality through consistent brewing practices, fermentation management, and quality assurance procedures.
• Maintain accurate production, inventory, and regulatory records.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and university regulations governing brewery operations, workplace safety, and sanitation.
• Manage ingredient inventories, brewery supplies, and vendor relationships within established budgets.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and routine troubleshooting of brewery equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe brewery environment.
• Develop, refine, and document seasonal and specialty beer recipes while maintaining consistency in core offerings.
• Collaborate with EVGR Pub leadership to align production with menu offerings, campus events, and customer demand.
• Serve as an ambassador for the brewery by engaging with guests, answering questions about brewing and Stanford beers, and helping create an exceptional customer experience.
• Participate in brewery tours, tastings, educational programming, and special events that promote the brewery and Stanford Hospitality.
• Identify opportunities to improve brewery efficiency, quality, sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the brewery.

Qualifications

We're seeking an enthusiastic brewer who is technically proficient, highly organized, self-motivated, and enjoys working with people as much as making great beer.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Commercial brewing experience in a brewpub or production brewery.
• Strong understanding of brewing science, fermentation, cellaring, and quality control.
• Experience operating or supporting small-scale commercial brewing systems.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a genuine interest in customer engagement and education.
• Experience with brewery production software and inventory systems is desirable.
• Formal brewing education or professional certification is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work safely around hot liquids, chemicals, and production equipment.
• Ability to safely handle kegs, grain, brewing materials, and cleaning chemicals.
• Commitment to safe work practices and excellent brewery sanitation.