"Adjunct Faculty - Craft Brewing, Packaging, and Service Operations Certificate"

Department: Secchia Institute for Culinary Education
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

The College is seeking candidates to teach in the Craft Brewing, Packaging, and Service Operations Certificate program for the Fall 2025 semester at the downtown campus. Students gain laboratory and operational experiences through fieldwork in a student-operated brewery and taproom, and an internship at a brewery or related operation.

Coursework focuses on fermentation principles, including introductory brewing microbiology, biochemistry, and sensory analysis. Topics include brewing production, product analysis, distribution, marketing/sales, taproom management, sensory evaluation, beverage operations management, sustainability, fermentation biology, beer and food pairing, packaging, labeling, merchandising, operations management, and laws/regulations in the brewing industry.

Upon completion, students understand chemicals, wort production, fermentation, temperature, time, mechanical actions in Clean in Place (CIP) processes, centrifugation, carbonation, automated brewing systems with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) interfaces, plant operations, equipment like bulk CO2 distribution, glycol chillers, air compressors, and steam generation.

A criminal background check is required for finalists. The ideal candidate has a passion for teaching and commitment to student success. Adjunct needs are determined semester-by-semester, with classes held Monday through Saturday in various modalities.

Essential Functions:

• Teach courses in the program.
• Assist with preparation of Quarterly Brewer's Report of Operations.
• Support the department and college as expected of adjunct faculty.
• Comply with tax reporting, follow syllabus templates, use required textbooks, meet class schedules, utilize learning strategies, incorporate technology, state course outcomes, promote a safe learning atmosphere, keep records, assess performance, report grades, accommodate disabilities, follow FERPA, and respond to communications timely.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required; Master's preferred.
• Certifications like ServSafe Alcohol, ServSafe Sanitation, Certified Cicerone, Certified Beer Server, or BJCP preferred.
• At least 2 years' experience in the craft brewing industry.
• Teaching experience preferred, especially at a community college.
• Experience with diverse adult learners and participation in professional development.

Skills: Expertise in the subject, commitment to development, routine duties with minimal supervision, strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, work with diverse populations, proficiency in instructional technology.

Physical Demands: Some evening work; ability to sit/stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs., walk, bend, stoop, kneel, stretch, stand, move quickly, visual discrimination, coordination, manual dexterity, taste, smell, touch, and hearing capabilities.

Mental Demands: Understanding of community college philosophy, interest in diverse students, commitment to community, responsiveness, initiative, organizational abilities, willingness to learn systems, high energy, judgment, and flexibility.

Working Conditions: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with mandated health/safety compliance.

Benefits: Wellness program, continuous learning, career development, educational opportunities, retirement plans.