Joshua McCombs
Redondo Beach,CA
Summary
Experienced Head Brewer and Scientist with a diverse work history and unique skill set and a "no task is too small" attitude. Demonstrated proficiency in brewery and laboratory operations. Formal education in brewing technology, biology, and environmental science. Extensive expertise in managing the complete beer production process, from recipe formulation to product packaging. Strong leadership skills and a proven track record of trouble shooting and improving operational efficiency.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Brewer
Lawless Brewing Company
Los Angeles, CA
04.2021 - Current
- Supervised the installation and commissioning of a 3-vessel, 15-barrel brewhouse, fermentors, and brite tanks.
- Developed and implemented brewing recipes, processes and procedures to meet quality standards.
- Maintain accurate records of raw material utilization, process controls and packaging.
- Perform daily maintenance on equipment.
- Monitor fermentation progress and yeast health in accordance with established protocols.
- Conduct sensory analysis of finished beer batches for the evaluation of flavor characteristics.
- Manage the inventory of hops, malt, yeast, and other ingredients used in production batches.
- Set daily and weekly cleaning and equipment maintenance schedules.
- Provide cross-functional subject matter expertise.
Head Brewer
The Brewery at Abigaile
Hermosa Beach, CA
01.2019 - 02.2020
- Responsible for the daily management of the brewery program at an established Southern California brewpub.
Head Brewer
Westlake Brewing and Libations
Westlake Village, CA
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Responsible for all facets of brewery operations, including ingredient procurement, wort production, fermentation management, cellaring, sanitation, and packaging.
Production Brewer
Devils Backbone Brewing Company
Lexington, VA
08.2016 - 10.2017
- Malt Reception and Inventory.
- Operation of 30- and 120-barrel automated Rolec brewhouses.
- Beer clarification via centrifugation and lenticular filtration.
- Yeast harvesting, propagations, and cell counts.
- General cellaring activities, including pH and gravity readings.
- Representing Devil's Backbone at select events.
Laboratory Director
Healthy Buildings, Inc.
Fairfax, VA
11.2006 - 12.2015
- Responsible for the management of all aspects of a multidisciplinary laboratory specializing in air and water quality analyses.
- Developed and implemented laboratory policies, standard operating procedures, quality control/quality assurance practices; ensured health and safety plan compliance; and maintained and repaired equipment as needed.
- Supervised technical and administrative staff members during daily laboratory activities, including the collection and analysis of samples, and validation of laboratory reports.
- Drafted quality system and procedures manuals for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
- Responsible for setting and achieving fiscal year goals, preparing budgets and strategic planning with cross-divisional teams.
- Also served as a subject matter expert for the consulting division of the company, and managed a diverse team ranging from novice to highly skilled technical professionals.
- Increased and diversified laboratory services, from fungal spore analysis and Legionella screening to include a host of microbiological and chemical examinations of water and air.
- Steady growth of laboratory business services allowed for team expansion and professional advancement for all team members
- Gained company owners’ consensus for and supervised the design and build-out of new laboratory space
- Researched, purchased and managed the installation and ongoing maintenance of analytical instrumentation including GCMS, AAS, and discrete analyzer
- Implemented and administered a laboratory information management system (LIMS)
- Attained AHIA EMPAT proficient status in fungal spore identification for laboratory
- Received CDC ELITE certification for Legionella isolation and culturing techniques
Education
Master Brewer Diploma -
World Brewing Academy (Seibel Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL And Doemens Academy, Munich, Germany)
07.2016
Master of Science - Environmental Science and Policy
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05.2014
Professional Certificate in Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology -
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA12.2001
Bachelor of Science - Life Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05.2001
Skills
- Sanitation and Sterilization protocols
- Supplier negotiation
- Safety awareness
- Quality Control Methodologies
- Process Improvement
- Problem-solving abilities
- Mathematical proficiency
- Critical Thinking
- Equipment Maintenance
- Production Scheduling
- Multitasking
- Troubleshooting
- Inventory Control
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Technical Aptitude
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head Brewer
Lawless Brewing Company
04.2021 - Current
Head Brewer
The Brewery at Abigaile
01.2019 - 02.2020
Head Brewer
Westlake Brewing and Libations
10.2017 - 10.2018
Production Brewer
Devils Backbone Brewing Company
08.2016 - 10.2017
Laboratory Director
Healthy Buildings, Inc.
11.2006 - 12.2015
Master Brewer Diploma -
World Brewing Academy (Seibel Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL And Doemens Academy, Munich, Germany)
Master of Science - Environmental Science and Policy
George Mason University
Professional Certificate in Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology -
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science - Life Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University
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