Entry Level Food Scientist Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Funky Buddha Brewery, located in Oakland Park, Florida, is seeking a full-time Entry-Level Quality Control Lab Technician to join its growing team. Established in 2010 at its Boca Raton brewpub, Funky Buddha is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing methods with culinary-inspired recipes utilizing all-natural, food-centric ingredients. The brewery has since expanded into alternative beverage production, including THC-infused products, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.

This position is ideal for someone early in their laboratory or quality career who is eager to learn, detail-oriented, and interested in working in both traditional brewery quality control and regulated THC beverage testing. The role will work closely with and under the guidance of the Senior QC Lab Technician and Quality Manager.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Entry-Level Quality Control Lab Technician supports quality assurance and quality control activities across both beer and THC-infused beverage production.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Beer Quality Control

• Assist with aseptic sampling of beer, wort, yeast, water, and brewery environments
• Prepare microbiological media and assist with plating and basic microbial analysis
• Perform routine yeast cell counts and viability testing under supervision
• Support chemical analysis including pH, alcohol %, bitterness, and color measurements
• Enter and maintain quality data in brewery software systems

THC Product Quality Control

• Assist with sampling and testing of THC-infused beverages
• Support potency, homogeneity, and stability testing preparation
• Maintain chain-of-custody documentation and compliance records
• Follow all SOPs and safety procedures related to THC handling

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company.

• Assist with R&D trials and quality improvement projects
• Support production and operations teams as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Near Vision Constant

Far Vision Constant

Hearing Constant

Talking Constant

Sitting Frequent

Walking Frequent

Computer Use Frequent

Crouching, Bending, Stooping Frequent

Reaching Occasional

Grasping Occasional

Pushing/Pulling Occasional

Lifting/Carrying up to 55 lbs Occasional

Climbing Stairs Occasional

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

OSHA laws require the use of the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing work duties that have the potential of risk to your health or safety:

• 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

No positions directly report to this position.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Entry-level laboratory or manufacturing experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Willingness to learn laboratory techniques and regulatory requirements
• 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
• 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, etc.) preferred.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

No special licenses or certificates required.

GROOMING

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

Integrity, loyalty and a good sense of humor are all factors in who we hire.  We are a rapidly expanding company with growth potential within.

Funky Buddha Brewery is an Equal Opportunity Employer