Laboratory Technician

In 1985, Ed McNally founded Big Rock Brewery Inc. (“Big Rock”) to challenge the beer trends of the time. Three bold, European-inspired offerings forged an industry during an era dominated by easy-drinking lagers and light-on-flavour beers. Today, our extensive portfolio of signature beers, seasonal offerings, ciders (Rock Creek Cider® series), hard teas, and custom-crafted private label products keep us at the forefront of the craft beer revolution—still proudly contesting beer trends and delivering flavour-forward beverages.

Big Rock has an exciting opportunity for a Lab Technician to join our Calgary-based Food Safety Quality Assurance team. Reporting to the Manager, Quality Systems & Food Safety, the Lab Technician will perform routine sampling and analyses of raw brewing materials, packaging materials, environmental samples, on-line quality and food safety checks, in-process/finished beer, and GMP Inspections. This includes both quantitative and qualitative testing to ensure our products meet Big Rock Brewery’s quality legal and food safety specifications.

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot UV-spectrophotometers, pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, CO₂ analyzers, density/alcohol analyzers, TPO analyzers, autoclaves, distillation apparatus, thermometers, incubators, conductivity meters, and other lab instruments.

• Safely dilute, handle, and dispose of a wide array of chemicals.
• Follow and interpret MSDS documents.
• Use fume hoods for safe chemical reactions and proper PPE at all times.

• Prepare media and broths for bacteriological analysis.
• Collect sterile samples (beer, air, water, environmental) using safe sanitization techniques.
• Maintain and use lab glassware, microscopes, and autoclaves effectively.

• Use precision tools (micrometers, calipers, torque wrenches) for measurements.
• Conduct can seam checks and CO₂ testing.
• Follow safety protocols for hearing, eye, hand, and foot protection.

• Monitor and maintain high-pressure steam generators and boiler chemicals.
• Build and maintain statistical spreadsheets, reporting results to supervisors and other departments.
• Participate in sensory panels to assess taste, aroma, colour, and mouthfeel.
• Contribute to the onsite BRC, GMP and HACCP food safety program.
• Develop, review, and update procedures related to laboratory analysis, GMP, HACCP, and other applicable regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and food safety policies across production, operational, and storage areas.
• Perform additional food safety, quality assurance, and compliance-related duties as assigned.

• Completion of the first phase of a Chemical Laboratory Technology Program or Bachelor’s degree in a food science discipline.
• 2+ years industry experience in a brewery or food & beverage production quality lab preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong task prioritization.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to present complex technical concepts clearly.
• Proactive problem-solver with process improvement mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work both independently and in a team setting.

• Manual movement of chemical drums and beer kegs on a regular basis.
• Occasional lifting to 35 kg.
• Frequent standing, bending, and brief exposure to high temperatures in the boiler room.

• $1,000 annually toward your Health Spending Account (HSA) and Personal Spending Account (PSA)
• RRSP matching program starting at 4.5% for all employees
• Company TFSA program
• Birthday off with pay
• Annual performance-based salary increases
• Award Co employee recognition & reward program
• Perkopolis membership
• Up to $5,000 lifetime fertility treatment benefit
• Annual safety boot allowance (eligible positions)
• Free on-site parking
• Casual dress code
• Employee discounts at our brewery restaurant
• Access to our on-site employee taproom
• Community gardens at our Calgary brewery
• Employee-centric culture with regular social events and team celebrations
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development