Beverage Optimization Technologist

Located in the heart of the Niagara Region – just minutes from one of the world's most well-known tourism destinations – Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs between our campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since opening its doors in 1967, Niagara College has grown to become a leader in education and training and one of the most enterprising colleges in Canada.

Applications are invited for the position of Beverage Optimization Technologist (BOT) in the Research and Innovation Division, located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. The starting hourly rate is $37.34/hr (Pay Band H - $37.34/hr to $43.18/hr) for a 35 hour work week. Additional hours may be required as necessary. This is a temporary Initiatives/Opportunities position as per Article of the Support Staff Collective Agreement and is set to conclude in December 2027.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Food and Beverage Innovation Centre, the successful candidate is responsible for supporting the overall operation of the Beverage and Liquids R&D Pilot Plant Production Facility (Pilot Plant), and the Beverage Optimization Lab (BOL). This includes operating beverage pilot plant equipment as well as delivering, maintaining, and training of good manufacturing practices (GMPs). The BOT will also be responsible for meeting and maintaining certifications and compliance such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and facility sanitation for the pilot plant production and optimization labs.

The Beverage Optimization Technologist serves as a secondary operator to the Beverage Production Technologist (BPT) and works closely with Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) management and staff to ensure that all beverage processing, optimization, and production runs are completed safely, accurately, and on time.

• Operating production line and optimization equipment to ensure work orders and production runs are completed to specification, regulatory requirements, and on time
• Ensuring formula/process optimization projects are completed to specifications, regulatory requirements, and to established timeframes
• Documenting processing parameters, and relevant data from production runs and development trials, interpreting experimental and/or analytical results and taking action/corrective action to meet operational and regulatory requirements
• Documenting and maintaining production, food safety, food quality, and health and safety records
• Cleaning and sanitizing processing equipment for product manufacturing and product development trials
• Responsible for routinely performing sanitation, food safety, and health and safety programs
• Performing routine maintenance and conducting basic equipment maintenance in accordance with standard procedures and food safety programs
• Responsible for effectively operating under and meeting the applicable certifications (HACCP) and licensing (CFIA and AGCO) requirements of FBIC operations
• Supporting the FBIC Team with ordering ingredients and supplies and inspecting shipments of materials to meet approved supplier and food safety programs
• Guiding, training, and mentoring Research Associates (students) and Research Assistants (graduates) as junior operators

• Two (2) year diploma in any of the related fields of study: Food Science and Chemistry; Food Processing; Food & Beverage Production; Beer, Wine, Distilling Production; Engineering (Chemical), Food Technology & Innovation, Pharmaceutical Programs, Mechanical Engineering Technology or similar
• Two (2) years of manufacturing processing experience related to line operations, equipment operations, and/or production environment
• Minor equipment maintenance and experience operating in a certified/regulated manufacturing environment (for example HACCP, CFIA, ISO, etc.) is an asset

This position is open to internal employees and external applicants. External applicants will not be reviewed until all eligible internal employees have been considered. The first consideration for internal employees shall be five (5) business days from the opening date. Internal employees are those classified as full-time permanent within the Full-Time Support Staff bargaining unit, regular part-time (RPT) employees who have completed probation, and Appendix D employees with six consecutive months of Appendix D service with the College at the time of posting.

Niagara College is a place-based organization, and all positions are primarily based on campus. On-campus work allows for close collaboration and a strong team culture. While most work will be done in the office, we offer the flexibility for some remote work, as the job allows.

Niagara College is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community. We offer an inclusive work environment and welcome applications from all qualified individuals who believe they can contribute to further enhancing campus diversity and equity efforts. If requested, accommodations will be made to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process.

Note: Credentials obtained outside of Canada require an evaluation to determine the Canadian educational equivalence. This evaluation must support the educational requirements for the position as a condition of employment. For further information, visit: World Education Services

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted