Job Description

Position: Lead

Brewer

Location:

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Job Type:

Full-time

Hourly Rate:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour

About the Company: Niagara Oast House Brewers is a leading small-batch brewery located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, one of Canada's most renowned agricultural regions. Founded by globally experienced industry professionals with a shared vision, Oast became the country's first dedicated farmhouse-style brewery. Based in the town's iconic "big red barn," we focus on crafting unique, high-quality beers that reflect the character of our land and our commitment to traditional methods. Using native yeasts, on-site well water, and locally sourced ingredients, we strive to capture the true essence of Niagara in every glass. As we continue to grow, we remain rooted in our passion for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

We are looking for passionate, driven individuals who thrive in a dynamic, fun, and fast-paced environment to join our team at Niagara Oast House Brewers. If you're excited about making an impact in the craft brewing industry, this is the place for you!

Job Summary:

Our Lead Brewer is responsible for the majority of weekly wort production and is a key contributor to all aspects of brewing operations at Oast. Working under the direction of the Production Manager, the Lead Brewer ensures consistent, high-quality beer production while maintaining Oast's standards of safety, sanitation, sustainability, and collaboration. This role supports recipe execution, equipment maintenance, inventory management, packaging, and continuous innovation, helping to bring Oast's vision to life and contributing to a tour-ready facility.

Key Responsibilities:

Brewhouse Operations

Produce high-quality wort to recipe specifications (volume, pH, gravity, water usage) Execute all aspects of wort and beer production: brewing, CIP, filtering, yeast preparation, packaging, cleaning, and inventory Take lead on brewhouse cleaning and scheduled maintenance to ensure top quality and equipment performance Operate pilot brewhouse and participate in recipe development for Taproom one-offs Perform yeast management: viability, counting, harvesting, pitching, and secondary additions Operate filtering and clarification equipment, including lenticular, cartridge filters, and strainers Maintain brewing logs, track production data, and collaborate with leadership on recipe planning

Cellar Operations

Perform CIPs for fermenters (FVs), brite beer tanks (BBTs), yeast brinks, and related equipment Monitor fermentation progress and carry out cellar duties including dry-hopping, blending, and cropping of yeast Maintain on-site draught lines, jockey boxes, and kegerators

Packaging

Support packaging as needed: kegging, bottling, canning, labeling, and organizing finished product Ensure packaging lines and related equipment are cleaned and sanitized according to SOPs

Inventory & Organization

Manage and organize inventory of raw materials (malt, hops, yeast) and packaging supplies Perform and report monthly physical inventory counts Maintain accurate inventory records for internal distribution (QC, Brewmaster, Production Manager)

Safety & Quality

Adhere to all safety protocols and participate in ongoing safety training Wear required PPE and report potential hazards or unsafe practices Maintain high quality standards from raw material intake to finished beer in BBT

Cleaning & Sanitation

Maintain brewery in a clean, organized, and tour-ready condition Clean and sanitize all brewing and fermentation equipment, work areas, and tools according to SOPs

Sustainability

Follow protocols to reduce water usage and manage brewery waste streams responsibly

Team Collaboration & Leadership

Attend production meetings and contribute ideas for new products, process improvements, and operational upgrades Train and mentor new brewers as needed Collaborate with Cellar Lead to ensure quality and consistency throughout all brewing processes

Brand Ambassadorship

Represent Oast House Brewers positively in public settings, brewery tours, events, and festivals

Required Qualifications

Post-secondary education in brewing, science, engineering, or a related field (preferred) 3+ years of hands-on brewing experience in a craft or commercial production setting Experience with farmhouse ales, fruit beers, and barrel aging is an asset Forklift and scissor lift experience is an asset Comfortable lifting 75+ lbs and maneuvering heavy pallets using pallet jacks Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting ability Excellent communication, interpersonal, and record-keeping skills Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, and safety Passion for beer, fermentation, and innovation Flexible and adaptive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment Available to work varied shifts between 6 AM and 6 PM Team-oriented mindset with a drive to win collaboratively

Why Oast House?

At Oast, we've always set out to brew the beers we truly love to drink, yeast-driven farmhouse ales with flavour, depth, balance, ageability, and a hit of good ol' rustic cellar funk. These qualities mirror the beers of the Franco-Belgian countryside that inspired us, and the agricultural spirit of our Niagara Peninsula.

What drives us most isn't just the drinking, it's the process. We're committed to bottle-conditioning, native yeasts, local hops, natural well water, and the use of wine barrels from our neighbours. It's all about respecting the land and creating something authentic and expressive. Our philosophy is simple: let the soul of the land and its elements guide the beer.

Perks

Creative input on beer development and brewing direction Opportunity to help shape the future of a respected local brand Involvement in a collaborative, craft-focused brewing team

What You Can Expect

A stable and growing organization filled with people who care about craft, quality, and community A collaborative team environment where your voice and passion matter

Hours:

Day shift / Night shift / Weekends / Holidays

Reports To:

Production Manager/Brewmaster

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00-$25.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

What interests you most about working for Oast? How do you approach unexpected challenges during a brew day?
Work Location: In person