Lead the Next Chapter of a 150+ Year Craft Brewing Tradition
Founded in 1872, Etna Brewing Co. is the oldest continuously operating craft brewery on the West Coast. As our growth continues in our new facility, we are seeking a Head Brewer to lead production, quality, and team development at the highest level. This is an executive leadership opportunity for an experienced brewer who can balance strategy with hands-on operational excellence.
What You’ll Lead
You will oversee all brewing operations while actively driving quality, efficiency, and team performance.
Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute production strategy aligned with company growth
- Build, mentor, and manage brewing and cellar teams
- Maintain and evolve Etna Brewing Co.’s brand standards
- Monitor industry trends and guide product innovation
- Manage brewery budget, purchasing, and vendor relationships
Brewing & Production Oversight
- Oversee recipe execution, pilot batches, seasonals, and core brands
- Ensure completion of all recipe tasks (drops, dry hops, fruiting, etc.)
- Supervise grain weighing and milling
- Oversee fermentation schedules, gravity and pH checks
- Ensure proper kegging, canning, and packaging processes
- Maintain production scheduling to meet demand
Quality, Compliance & Operations
- Maintain strict safety, sanitation, and SOP adherence
- Oversee CIP and sanitizing of fermenters and tanks
- Ensure keg washing standards and packaging quality
- Manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods
- Ensure regulatory compliance (TTB, ABC, OSHA)
- Oversee brewery, taproom, and facility maintenance
- Restock and organize cold storage
- Perform and supervise additional operational duties as needed
Qualifications
- 5+ years commercial brewing experience
- Proven leadership experience managing brewing teams
- Strong knowledge of production systems and brewery operations
- Advanced sensory evaluation skills
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
- Experience with brewing software and Microsoft Office
- Budget management experience preferred
- Formal brewing education preferred
Physical & Operational Requirements
- Ability to lift 55+ lbs
- Ability to safely work on ladders and production equipment
- Completion of in-house forklift certification
- Must maintain a safety-first mindset at all times
- Extremely detail-oriented with a passion for craft beer
- Must be 21+ with a valid California Driver’s License
Why This Role Is Unique
- Competitive annual salary
- Executive-level leadership opportunity
- Brand-new brewing facility
- Opportunity to scale a historic brand into new markets
- Small-town lifestyle in scenic Scott Valley
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the West Coast’s most historic breweries into its next era of growth.
If you are a seasoned brewing leader ready to build, scale, and grow your career in beautiful Northern California, apply today!