Sensory Coordinator I

Job Title: Sensory Coordinator 1
Department: Research & Development
Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly                      
Reports to: Senior Manager, Hop Research

Job Qualifications:

1. Passion for hops, agriculture, quality, sustainability and brewing.
2. Preferred background in quality, food science and/or sensory science through work experience or formal education. 
3. Project management skills preferred.
4. Possess a strong work ethic to positively contribute to the company’s mission, vision, values and environmental policy and quality policy
5. Must have a positive attitude, support co-workers and stakeholders to obtain desired objectives, and assist others in their contributions
6. Must be able to effectively communicate in written and verbal form with co-workers and management
7. Must be able to work independently and as a team member
8. Excellent mathematical, communication and computer skills, be strongly detail-oriented and be able to easily multitask
9. Should be able to independently initiate, prioritize, and perform or solve work problems to achieve work objectives and meet deadlines
10. Understanding of statistical analysis methods and scientific literature
11. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
12. Commitment to follow and execute written (Standard Operating Procedures, company memos and emails) and verbal instructions
13. Willingness to wear appropriate personal protective equipment in required areas for extended periods of time
14. Understanding of food safety and lab safety practices
15. Ability to adapt to changing paces and processes quickly
16. Ability to lift (up to 50 lbs), carry (up to 44 lbs) occasionally to frequently within normal limits
17. Must have a valid driver’s license, a dependable vehicle, and be willing to travel between YCH facilities
18. A desire to work with brewers and growers and lead in the field in sensory analysis of hops
19. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred

Job Summary:

Sensory Coordinator I is essential to executing sensory panel activities including sample preparation, panel set up, sensory lab maintenance, sample inventory, and sensory data collection, analysis, and quality reporting. This person will communicate frequently with sensory panelists and the Production, Quality, and Research & Development departments. Sensory Coordinator I must pay close attention to detail, have strong communication skills, and work well in a team environment.

Job Duties:

1. Perform daily operations regarding sample requisition, preparation, and analysis
   1. Request and prepare sensory, R&D lab, and brewing samples
   2. Manage sample inventory and sampling for R&D projects
   3. Perform regular sensory panel set up, execution, and clean up
   4. Export sensory data and manage sensory database
   5. Prepare panel training materials and execute panelist training sessions
   6. Perform statistical analysis on hop and beer sensory data
   7. Maintain a sanitary and safe work environment
   8. Transport samples to and from all YCH facilities between Yakima and Sunnyside
2. Coordinate QC Sensory Program
   1. Prioritize quality-related sensory requests and report results
   2. Investigate and resolve quality issues
   3. Work with Quality to perform root cause analysis and report results
   4. Report quality results on all lots
   5. Assist with methods development and draft sensory standard operating procedures
3. R&D team member
   1. Support projects with Production, R&D, and Quality
   2. Update project management boards
   3. Assist in maintaining a pleasant, organized and effective working environment
   4. Approach issues or concerns with a positive attitude and solution-minded outlook
   5. Communicate with customers and other YCH teams to share results and present ideas
   6. Assist in maintaining all relevant analysis equipment and facilities to ensure accuracy and dependability
   7. Assist supervisor with ordering and maintaining sensory lab supplies
   8. Assist the Sensory Team as necessary
   9. Assist the R&D laboratory as necessary.
4. Sensory Education and Outreach

• Prepare and deliver sensory training to internal YCH staff, growers, and brewers
• Present to the YCH Sales Team and/or customers on product sensory developments

1. Taproom Oversight
   • Manage beer inventory and menu board
   • Manage SOPs, checklists, staff training, etc. for taproom operations
2. Provide technical support to YCH staff and customers with emphasis on new product testing
3. Continuously look for ways to improve process efficiency and work with teams and supervisors to evaluate recommendations and craft process improvement plans
4. Adhere to company safety policies as well as federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations
5. Adhere to operating budget
6. Maintain sanitary and safe work environment and follow safety requirements
7. May actively participate on company’s Safety Committee
8. Ensure that company safety policies as well as federal, state and local safety and environmental regulations are observed
9. Must have a complete understanding of company’s policies, SOPs, QPs, EPs, HACCP and cGMP that pertain to their department to ensure quality, safety, efficiency and sustainability.
10. Must adhere to all company policies
11. Examine documents, materials, and products and monitor work processes to assess completeness, accuracy and conformance to standards and specifications
12. Follow all SOPs in a given area
13. Perform all other duties as assigned by Manager and/or designee

Benefits: 

1. 100% Vested 401k Safe Harbor Match at 6%
2. Performance Incentive Bonus opportunities
3. 10 Recognized Holidays
4. 50 hours of personal/sick time pro-rated based upon hire date
5. 110 hours accrued Vacation
6. Competitive Wages
7. Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance
8. Health Savings Account (HSA)
9. Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
10. Company Paid Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life And AD&D Insurance
11. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lifeworks
12. Calm for Work
13. Education Tuition Assistance Program
14. Wellness Benefit
15. Employee Giveback Program
16. Individual Development Programs
17. Youth Donation Program
18. Continuing Education Programs
19. Bring your Pet to Work Program (applies to admin positions only)
20. Pet Insurance
21. And much more…