Lead Fermentation Technician

Humm Kombucha; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Humm Kombucha in Bend, Oregon is seeking a Fermentation Lead to oversee the fermentation process from brewing to finished product, train teammates, and drive continuous improvement on the shift.

This hands-on role requires a strong background in brewing or food production, excellent communication, and the ability to manage batch records, quality checks, and safety procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in brewing/fermentation or food production is required.
• Ability to train and mentor teammates in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with attention to procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fermentation from brewing to finished product.
• Train, mentor, and support Fermentation Technicians.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain quality standards and complete batch records and reports.
• Ensure GMP, SQF and food safety practices are followed.
• Communicate with cross-functional teams and attend department meetings.

Skills

Fermentation

Team leadership

Training others

Quality control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about fermentation, brewing, and leading by example in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? As a Fermentation Lead, you'll play a key role in producing high-quality kombucha while supporting the day-to-day success of the Fermentation team. This position serves as a technical resource and shift leader, helping train team members, troubleshoot production challenges, maintain quality standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a hands-on role responsible for overseeing the fermentation process from brewing through finished product preparation, ensuring products are made safely, consistently, and according to established procedures.

SHIFT SCHEDULE:

• Monday-Thursday from 2pm-12:30am PST

What You'll Do

• Produce finished kombucha according to established recipes and production standards
• Perform brewing, fermentation, flavoring, and carbonation processes
• Train, mentor, and support Fermentation Technicians
• Serve as a go-to resource for troubleshooting and problem-solving during production shifts
• Partner closely with the Fermentation Supervisor to support staffing, scheduling, and departmental needs
• Complete production documentation, batch records, inventory tracking, and end-of-day reporting
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control checks throughout the fermentation process
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work environment
• Follow GMP, SQF, food safety, and sanitation requirements
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and departments
• Attend departmental and company meetings as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 6 months of brewing, fermentation, food production, or manufacturing experience
• Previous experience training or mentoring team members preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, spreadsheets, and word processing programs
• Experience with Google Workspace is a plus
• Ability to obtain forklift certification

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Frequently lift and move up to 55 pounds
• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
• Work in a manufacturing environment that may be loud, humid, refrigerated, or exposed to varying temperatures
• Safely work around forklifts, pallet jacks, pumps, chemicals, and production equipment
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Flexibility to work different shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime as needed

Why Join Us?

At Humm Kombucha, we're passionate about creating great products while building a workplace where employees can learn, grow, and contribute to something bigger. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, accountability, and a positive attitude.