Maltster Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of brewing, the role of the maltster has never been more crucial.

As the craft beer revolution continues to surge, the demand for skilled artisans who can create, enhance, and maintain our malt quality grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a maltster?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of malting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable maltster job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Maltster Duties and Responsibilities

Maltsters are responsible for overseeing the malting process, turning raw grains into malt which is primarily used in brewing beer, but also for distilling spirits and baking.

This requires a combination of practical knowledge, scientific understanding, and a meticulous approach to quality control.

A Maltster’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Selecting and purchasing grain to ensure quality raw materials
• Monitoring the steeping process, where grains are soaked to increase their moisture content
• Controlling the germination process, where the grains are allowed to sprout under controlled conditions
• Overseeing kilning, the process of drying and curing the germinated grains to stop the germination process and develop flavor
• Testing and analyzing samples of malt for quality, consistency, and flavor profile
• Maintaining records of the malting process and any adjustments made
• Coordinating with brewers and distillers to understand their specific malt needs
• Cleaning and maintaining malting equipment to ensure hygiene and functionality
• Staying informed about advancements in malting technology and industry trends

 

Maltster Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated Maltster to oversee the production of malt from various grains.

The Maltster’s responsibilities will include selecting and purchasing grains, overseeing the malting process, testing the quality of the malt, and maintaining equipment.

The ideal candidate should have experience in the malting or brewing industry, a strong understanding of the malting process, and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

Ultimately, a top-notch Maltster should be able to produce high-quality malt that meets the company’s requirements.

 

Responsibilities

• Selecting and purchasing grains for the malting process
• Overseeing the steeping, germination, and kilning stages of malting
• Testing the quality of the malt to ensure it meets the necessary standards
• Maintaining and cleaning malting equipment
• Keeping accurate records of the malting process
• Collaborating with the brewing team to produce malt that meets their requirements
• Adhering to industry standards and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in the malting or brewing industry
• Strong understanding of the malting process
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• High attention to detail

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Employee discount

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maltster
• Work Environment: This role requires work in a production environment. Some physical labor may be required, and the role may involve working in varying temperatures.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Manager or Brew Master.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Maltster Do?

A Maltster is a specialist who works in the beer brewing and distilling industry.

Their primary role is to produce malt from grain, which is a key ingredient in the production of beer, whisky, and other alcoholic beverages.

The process involves soaking the grain in water, allowing it to germinate, and then drying it in a kiln.

This complex process called malting, develops the enzymes required to modify the grain’s starches into sugars, some of which are consumed by yeast during fermentation.

Maltsters are also responsible for quality control, as the type of malt produced can significantly affect the taste, color, and aroma of the final product.

They conduct a variety of tests to ensure the malt meets the specific requirements of the recipe.

In addition, they maintain the malting equipment, keep track of inventory, and work closely with brewers and distillers to understand their malt needs.

Some maltsters may also be involved in sourcing and selecting the right grains for malting.

Whether working for a large brewing company or a smaller craft brewery, the maltster’s expertise is vital to producing high-quality alcoholic beverages.

 

Maltster Qualifications and Skills

A proficient maltster should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications to effectively carry out their role, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the malting process, with an understanding of the biological and chemical principles involved.
• Practical skills to perform various physical tasks such as turning and moving grain, monitoring equipment, and maintaining cleanliness in the malt house.
• Strong observational skills to monitor and adjust the malting process, ensuring the quality of the final product.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and address any issues that may arise during malting, such as changes in humidity, temperature, or equipment malfunction.
• Communication skills to work effectively with other team members, suppliers, and clients, keeping everyone informed about the progress and quality of the malting process.
• Attention to detail for keeping accurate records of each batch, noting variations in grain, process times, and any changes made during malting.
• Physical endurance to be able to lift heavy loads, stand for long periods, and work in varying temperature conditions.
• Flexibility to work in shifts, including nights and weekends, as the malting process requires constant monitoring.

 

Maltster Experience Requirements

Entry-level Maltster candidates typically have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field, such as agriculture or food production.

This experience can often be gained through internships, part-time roles, or on-the-job training in roles like Brewer, Grain Quality Specialist, or Agricultural Technician.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience have usually developed a deeper understanding and practical knowledge of the malting process, including grain selection, malting, kilning, and quality control procedures.

They may have worked in a malting house, brewery, or distillery in roles such as Malting Operator or Brewmaster.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have accumulated a wealth of technical knowledge and may possess some managerial or supervisory experience.

Such individuals may be ready to take on roles like Head Maltster, Malting Operations Manager, or Production Manager in a malting house, brewery, or distillery.

Further, successful Maltsters often participate in continuing education programs and professional development workshops to keep up-to-date with the latest best practices, techniques, and technologies in malting.

 

Maltster Education and Training Requirements

Maltsters typically begin their career with a high school diploma or equivalent education.

However, a degree in food science, chemistry, or microbiology can enhance their career prospects.

A solid understanding of the brewing process, as well as knowledge of the characteristics of different types of grains, is crucial for this role.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have coursework or training in brewing technology or related fields.

Courses in business or supply chain management could also be beneficial, as maltsters often work closely with breweries and need to understand the dynamics of supply and demand.

Many maltsters learn their craft on the job, starting in entry-level positions and gradually acquiring more responsibilities as they gain experience and expertise.

Professional certification, such as the Certified Cicerone or the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) General Certificate in Malting, may also be beneficial.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for the role.

Continuing education is important as the brewing industry continues to evolve.

Maltsters must keep up to date with the latest brewing techniques and malt varieties to provide the best products to their clients.

 

Maltster Salary Expectations

A Maltster can expect to earn an average salary of $39,000 (USD) per year.

This can vary significantly depending on the individual’s level of experience, the size and location of the brewery or distillery they work for, and the specific responsibilities of the role.

 

Maltster Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maltster need?

A Maltster needs to have a deep understanding of malting processes and the ability to operate and maintain malting equipment.

They should have a good understanding of safety protocols and quality control processes.

Maltsters should also possess strong analytical skills to analyze the quality of malt and make adjustments as needed.

Effective communication skills are important for coordinating with brewers, distillers, and suppliers.

 

Do Maltsters need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, a background in chemistry or food science can be beneficial for understanding the malting process.

However, most Maltsters gain experience through hands-on training.

Some may pursue certification programs such as the Master Brewers Association of the Americas’ (MBAA) Course in Malting Science and Technology.

 

What should you look for in a Maltster resume?

On a Maltster’s resume, look for experience in a brewery or distillery, particularly any experience with malting processes.

A good Maltster candidate will also have knowledge of quality control, safety protocols, and maintenance of malting equipment.

Any certification in malting or brewing sciences is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Maltster?

A good Maltster is detail-oriented, as the malting process requires careful monitoring and control.

They should be able to work independently and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

A good Maltster will also have a strong understanding of the malting process and be able to make adjustments to ensure the quality of the malt.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Maltster?

Finding a skilled Maltster can be challenging due to the specificity of the role and the level of knowledge and experience required.

However, a candidate with a background in brewing or distilling, or one with a scientific background and a willingness to learn, could be a good fit for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unfolded the reality of what it means to be a maltster.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about brewing and malting.

It’s about concocting the perfect taste of beverages, one grain at a time.

With our ready-made maltster job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your mark.

But don’t just stop there.

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously curated job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every grain of malt contributes to the larger brew.

Let’s craft that perfect taste. Together.

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