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Fermentation Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Bread Baker

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Monitor fermentation and/or proofing stages to ensure optimal flavor development. * Artistic Scoring: Use traditional techniques to score breads, giving each loaf its unique St. Honoré signature.

Harvest Intern

Carlton, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Interns will work closely with our winemaking team, assisting in grape receiving, fermentation monitoring, sanitation, cellar work, and other key production activities. Ideal candidates are ...

Harvest Intern

Carlton, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Interns will work closely with our winemaking team, assisting in grape receiving, fermentation monitoring, sanitation, cellar work, and other key production activities. Ideal candidates are ...

Brewer OR

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

The Brewer is responsible for the entire beer making process, including but not limited to raw material handling, brew day operations, fermentation monitoring, cellaring, packaging, all cleaning and ...

Strong technical knowledge of industrial biotechnology processes, including fermentation, downstream processing, and both liquid and solid formulation. * Demonstrated ability to collaborate across ...

Fermentation information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$21

$26

How much do fermentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for fermentation in Portland, OR is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fermentation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fermentation, you need a solid background in microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering, often supported by a relevant science degree or technical training. Familiarity with bioreactor operation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for optimizing fermentation processes, ensuring product quality, and maintaining compliance in fast-paced production or research environments.

What does a typical day look like for a professional working in fermentation?

A typical day for a fermentation professional often involves monitoring and adjusting fermentation processes, preparing culture media, collecting and analyzing samples, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You may work closely with quality assurance teams, production staff, and R&D scientists to troubleshoot issues and improve yields. The work environment can range from laboratory settings to industrial production facilities, and you may need to follow strict protocols and documentation practices. Collaboration and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift based on production schedules or unexpected process changes.

What is a Fermentation job?

A fermentation job involves overseeing and managing the process of microbial or enzymatic conversion of substrates into desired products, such as food, beverages, biofuels, or pharmaceuticals. Professionals in this field may work in breweries, biotech firms, or food production facilities, ensuring that fermentation conditions are optimized for efficiency and quality. Responsibilities often include monitoring fermentation parameters, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining production standards.

What are popular job titles related to Fermentation jobs in Portland, OR? For Fermentation jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fermentation jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Fermentation jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Fermentation job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,047 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Harvest Lab Technician - Penner-Ash Wine Cellars

Jackson Family Wines

Newberg, OR

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Jackson Family Wines rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 434 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

At Penner-Ash, we work with fruit from over twenty sustainably farmed vineyards across the Northern Willamette Valley, with a focus on small-lot, vineyard-designate wines. In 2026, we anticipate processing approximately 200 tons, primarily Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.
This internship typically begins in late August with harvest prep, cleaning, and vineyard sampling. As fruit arrives, the focus shifts to processing, fermentation work, and cap management, followed by pressing and barreling down. Harvest generally wraps up between late October and early November, depending on the season.
 
POSITION SUMMARY:  
 
We are looking for one self-motivated, and experienced individual to join us for 2026 in a cellar/lab hybrid role. This hybrid position will provide an all-encompassing harvest experience working closely with the winemaking team. Primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to: support and facilitation of juice/wine analysis, as well as implementation of decisions based on data. 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
Essential Skills and Experience
  • Coordinate all routine lab analysis with Enologist
  • Help sample vineyards and process juice panels
  • Assist with daily lab analysis for harvest
  • Juice panels/Drain & Press panels using Y-15 and Autotitrator
    • Presenting data to winemaker in a timely and organized manner for quick but informed decision making
    • Setup and execute benchtop trials
    • Help troubleshoot lab equipment when needed
  • Primary fermentation monitoring
    • Brix & Temps using DMA (all small lot fermenters)
  • Data entry in excel and tracking software
  • Maintain a clean and organized workspace
  • Assistance with cellar work as needed
  • Safely and properly handle chemicals
  • Sampling tanks for analysis
  • Facilitate tank adds and inoculations
  • Occasional punch downs and pump overs
  • Helping on the sorting line
  • Assisting in cleanup of the winery when all lab duties are finished
JOB REQUIREMENTS:  
  • Prefer 1 year of full-time cellar/lab experience or 2+ harvests of cellar/lab experience.
  • Experience with Y-15 or Spica analyzer is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Enology, Fermentation Science, or related field is preferred.
  • The qualified candidate will be well organized, clean, detail-oriented, and possess strong analytical skills.
  • The capacity to work independently and with others at all levels of the organization is required. 
  • This position requires cellar proficiency and is not strictly a lab-based job. Intermediate to advanced computer skills in Word and Excel are required. 
Physical Requirements:
  • The willingness to work extended hours and various shifts is expected. 
  • The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, occasionally reach with hands and arms, occasionally sit, walk, climb, stoop, or kneel.
  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.  
WAGE TRANSPARENCY: 
The base pay for this role ranges from $19.50 - $24.50 per hour. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.     
 
Jackson Family Wines is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on merit and business needs.

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