Fermentation Operator Job Description:

Controls fermentation chambers and tanks to produce enzymes from fungal or bacterial growth for use as industrial catalysts: Sprinkles seed from hand container into mixing drum containing culture medium, such as bran, and starts drum revolving for specified time to disperse seed throughout medium. Opens drum to discharge batch into tubs, and shovels batch onto trays. Places trays on racks and pushes them into growing chambers. Sets thermostats, observes pressure gauges and meters, and moves controls to maintain specified atmospheric conditions that promote growth of culture. Examines batch for contamination by smell, touch, or observation, using knowledge of fermentation reactions. Removes trays from chamber after specified time. Dumps contents onto conveyor that transfers material through delumping machine into portable tanks. Positions tanks under water faucets and opens valves to flush enzymes through sieve. Turns valve to siphon solution through series of portable tanks into head tank. Tests extraction for specific gravity, acidity, and alkalinity, using hydrometer and litmus paper; and adds specified salts, acids, or bases. May start centrifuge to separate solids from product.