Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8160
Cellar operator
Cellar operators take charge of fermentation and maturation tanks. They control fermentation process of wort inoculated with yeast. They tend equipment that cools and adds yeast to wort as to produce beer. For the purpose, they control the flow of refrigeration that goes through cool coils regulating the temperature of hot wort in the tanks.
Check yourself in a minute: cellar operator
Rate 5 of the 24 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
ensure sanitation
monitor machine operations
disassemble equipment
collect samples for analysis
sterilise fermentation tanks
About cellar operator
As a cellar operator, you are the guardian of fermentation, managing the critical processes that transform raw ingredients into finished beverages. Your responsibilities encompass operating complex brewing systems, precisely controlling temperature and chemical conditions, and maintaining the highest sanitation standards throughout fermentation and maturation. Working in dynamic, sometimes challenging environments, you'll combine technical expertise with attention to detail, ensuring every batch meets quality and safety specifications through meticulous monitoring and adherence to strict food manufacturing protocols.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a cellar operator.
1
Fermentation Process Control
- Monitor fermentation process of wort inoculated with yeast and maintain optimal conditions
- Control the flow of refrigeration through cool coils to regulate temperature of hot wort in tanks
- Set up and adjust machine controls for proper fermentation parameters and yeast activity
2
Temperature and Chemical Management
- Precisely measure and maintain pH levels according to brewing specifications
- Monitor temperature fluctuations and adjust cooling systems to maintain fermentation conditions
- Manage ingredients for beer production and ensure proper yeast addition at critical stages
3
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Operate modern brewing systems and fermentation tanks with proficiency and safety awareness
- Monitor machine operations continuously and detect abnormalities or malfunctions
- Disassemble equipment for cleaning and maintenance as required by operational schedule
4
Sanitation and Food Safety Compliance
- Ensure sanitation of all equipment and work areas according to HACCP and GMP standards
- Follow hygienic procedures during food processing and prevent contamination
- Sterilise fermentation tanks and containers before use to maintain product quality and safety
5
Quality Assurance and Sampling
- Collect samples for laboratory analysis to monitor fermentation progress and product quality
- Apply HACCP principles throughout the fermentation and maturation process
- Adhere to organizational guidelines and requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beverages
6
Container Preparation and Process Optimization
- Prepare containers for beverage fermentation ensuring proper cleaning and sterilization
- Perform beverage dealcoholisation processes when required for specific product lines
- Apply modern brewing systems knowledge and processes of foods and beverages manufacturing
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (24)
vinegar fermentation processvinegar fermentation processThe two-step process in which the fermentation of the vinegar takes place. A key procedure for fruit vinegars production requires the conversion into ethanol of fermentable sugars by yeasts and, in a ...modern brewing systemsmodern brewing systemsThe most updated systems and best available techniques in the brewing industry.ingredients for beer productioningredients for beer productionBasic ingredients of beer, which consist of water, a starch source such as malted barley, brewer's yeast to produce the fermentation and a flavouring such as hops.ensure sanitationensure sanitationKeep workspaces and equipment free from dirt, infection, and disease by removing waste, trash and providing for appropriate cleaning.monitor machine operationsmonitor machine operationsObserving machine operations and evaluating product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.disassemble equipmentdisassemble equipmentDisassembles equipment using hand tools in order to clean equipments and to perform regular operational maintenance.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.sterilise fermentation tankssterilise fermentation tanksSterilise workspaces and equipment using hoses, scrapers, brushes, or chemical solutions.be at ease in unsafe environmentsbe at ease in unsafe environmentsBe at ease in unsafe environments like being exposed to dust, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, sub-freezing and cold storage areas, noise, wet floors and moving lift equipment.perform beverage dealcoholisationperform beverage dealcoholisationTend suitable equipment to remove alcohol from alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.set up machine controlsset up machine controlsSet up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.follow hygienic procedures during food processingfollow hygienic procedures during food processingEnsure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.mitigate waste of resourcesmitigate waste of resourcesEvaluate and identify opportunities to use resources more efficiently with continuously striving to reduce waste of utilities.measure pHmeasure pHMeasure acidity and alkalinity of beverages.examine production samplesexamine production samplesExamine production samples visually or manually to verify properties such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, humidity and texture.processes of foods and beverages manufacturingprocesses of foods and beverages manufacturingRaw materials and production processes for getting finished food products. Importance of quality control and other techniques for the food and beverage industry.carry out checks of production plant equipmentcarry out checks of production plant equipmentCarry out checks of the machinery and equipment used in the production plant. Ensure that the machinery is working properly, set machines before usage, and assure continuous operability of the equipme...clean food and beverage machineryclean food and beverage machineryClean machinery used for food or beverage production processes. Prepare the appropriate solutions for cleaning. Prepare all parts and assure that they are clean enough to avoid deviation or errors in ...apply GMPapply GMPApply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).prepare containers for beverage fermentationprepare containers for beverage fermentationPrepare containers for beverage fermentation according to the type of beverage to be produced. This includes the qualities that the different kinds of containers can give to the final product.apply HACCPapply HACCPApply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).exert quality control to processing foodexert quality control to processing foodEnsure the quality of all factors involved in a food production process.apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beveragesapply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beveragesApply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
Optional (13) — show
fermentation processes of beveragesfermentation processes of beveragesFermentation processes related to the conversion of sugar to alcohol, gases and acids.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.keep inventory of goods in productionkeep inventory of goods in productionKeep inventory of goods whether they are goods in the front end (i.e. raw materials), intermediate, or back end (i.e. finished products). Count goods and store them for the following production and di...operate pasteurisation processesoperate pasteurisation processesFollow and apply procedures to pasteurise food and beverages. Recognise the properties of the products to be pasteurised and adapt procedures accordingly.check bottles for packagingcheck bottles for packagingCheck bottles for packaging. Apply bottle testing procedures to verify if the bottle is fit for containing food and beverage products. Follow legal or company specifications for bottling.manage carbonation levelsmanage carbonation levelsManaging temperature and pressure as to reach set carbonation levels in beverages.liaise with colleaguesliaise with colleaguesLiaise with fellow colleagues to ensure common understanding on work related affairs and agree on the necessary compromises the parties might need to face. Negotiate compromises between parties as to ...monitor centrifugal separatorsmonitor centrifugal separatorsOperating and monitoring centrifugal separators.monitor winemaking processmonitor winemaking processConducts wine making and monitors processing steps. Supervises and participates in the bottling and labelling work.dispose food wastedispose food wasteDispose or collect food waste with the purpose of recycling or throwing away from the production process. Follow established procedures for their disposal taking care of the environment and the safety...liaise with managersliaise with managersLiaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.ensure compliance with environmental legislation in food productionensure compliance with environmental legislation in food productionMake sure to comply with environmental legislation in food production. Understand the legislation related to environmental matters in food manufacturing and apply it in practice.health, safety and hygiene legislationhealth, safety and hygiene legislationThe set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a cellar operator do?
Cellar operators take charge of fermentation and maturation tanks. They control fermentation process of wort inoculated with yeast. They tend equipment that cools and adds yeast to wort as to produce beer. For the purpose, they control the flow of refrigeration that goes through cool coils regulating the temperature of hot wort in the tanks.
What skills does a cellar operator need?
A cellar operator needs 24 essential skills, including vinegar fermentation process, modern brewing systems, ingredients for beer production, ensure sanitation, monitor machine operations.
Will AI replace cellar operator jobs?
The AI disruption score for cellar operator is 40/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: check bottles for packaging, keep inventory of goods in production, measure pH. Most resilient: be at ease in unsafe environments, act reliably, clean food and beverage machinery.
AI Replacement Risk
40/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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