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 Food and Beverage Innovation Centre, Research and Innovation Division, located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. The starting hourly rate is $38.09/hr (Pay Band H - $38.09/hr to $44.04/hr) for a 35-hour work week. Additional hours may be required as necessary.This is an Appendix D, temporary position as per Article 17.3.1 of the Support Staff Collective Agreement and is set to commence in January 2027 and will conclude in March 2028. It may be subject to an extension by mutual agreement of the parties.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC), the successful candidate will support the operation of the Beverage Pilot Plant Production Facility (Pilot Plant) and Beverage Optimization Lab, acting as a secondary operator and technical resource for beverage processing, product development and optimization activities.The successful candidate will also support the maintenance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) licensing requirements, Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requirements and facility sanitation programs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operating beverage processing, production and laboratory equipment to support pilot-scale manufacturing, product development and process optimization projects
• Supporting beverage formulation, ingredient evaluation, process troubleshooting, analytical testing and product scale-up activities
• Cleaning and sanitizing processing equipment for product manufacturing and product development trials
• Maintaining equipment and ensuring the Pilot Plant and Beverage Optimization Lab meet applicable GMP, HACCP, CFIA, OHSA, sanitation and licensing requirements, including maintaining required documentation and records
• Training and mentoring Research Assistants and students in equipment operation, beverage processing, food safety and standard operating procedures
• Collaborating with internal and external partners, assisting with Research and Innovation events, and conducting facility tours to showcase FBIC capabilities

Qualifications:

• Two (2) year diploma or equivalent in Food Science and Chemistry; Food Processing; Food & Beverage Production; Beer, Wine, Distilling Production; Engineering (Chemical), Food Technology & Innovation programs, Pharmaceutical Programs, Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field of study
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in manufacturing processing related to one or more of the following: line operations, equipment operations, and/or production environment
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting and minor preventative maintenance in a manufacturing or processing environment
• Experience working in a certified or regulated manufacturing environment, such as HACCP or CFIA-licensed facilities, is an asset
• Mechanical abilities related to operating equipment in a beverage plant is an asset
• Knowledge of GMPs, sanitation procedures, food safety programs and applicable regulatory requirements
• Strong troubleshooting, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve equipment, processing and product quality issues
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with researchers, students, industry partners and interested parties
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, processing methods and equipment to support a diverse range of food and beverage projects
• Knowledge of MS Office applications, including Excel and Word

Working Conditions:

• Able to lift up to 25KG repeatedly, if required

Close Date: November 22, 2026

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.

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 http://www.wes.org/ca/.

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