Packaging Technician

Status: Full time, hourly

Reports to: Production Manager

Position Summary:

The Packaging Technician is responsible for ensuring the continuous and optimized operation of the packaging line. This position requires mechanical expertise and a proven track record of operating and maintaining a canning line.  The ideal candidate will have experience replacing components on seamers and working on filler valves. You will work alongside the Production Manager & Director of Operations to set an efficient packaging schedule, establish a preventative maintenance plan, and maintain accurate inventories on all packaging materials, finished goods, and related supplies/parts for packaging operations. The Packaging Technician will ensure that quality standards for our beer and other beverages are consistently met across the board, ensure packaging operations adheres to good manufacturing practices and OSHA safety standards, conduct training for new operators, and effectively communicate with other staff and departments. In addition to running, maintaining and servicing packaging machines, the Packaging Technician will assist the Production Manager with overall maintenance of brewery equipment and coordinate with outside vendors when needed.  The right candidate must share Almanac Beer’s commitments to quality, safety, business ethics, and continuous innovation.

Duties & responsibilities:

• Packaging Operations
• Perform regular maintenance and calibration of all packaging equipment including:
• Rebuilding and reinstalling filler valves
• Inspecting and calibrating seamers
• Routine inspections of all moving and rotating parts 
• Daily oversight of all components to effectively complete each cycle with minimal wear and tear
• Perform QA/QC utilizing seam inspection equipment and dissolved oxygen meter
• Lead daily packaging operations as it relates to canning and kegging products.  This includes maintaining and operating the canning line, packing out, as well as the keg filler
• Responsible for proper and timely packaging of beer
• Oversee cleanup, upkeep, and maintenance of packaging area
• Coordinate with Production Manager & Director of Operations to execute the weekly packaging schedule
• Operate forklift and/or other material handling equipment daily
• Oversee and maintain packaging’s quality control standards and record keeping
• Assist with inventory management for packaging materials and finished product
• Coordinate palletizing of finished product and warehousing
• Work with Production Manager and Quality Manager to improve process and quality throughout the packaging process 
• Assist with shipping and receiving: including building orders, receiving deliveries, and loading orders
• Onboarding and Training of Packaging Staff
• Develop, maintain and improve upon written standards of training for packaging operations & lead packaging operations training
• Works with Production Manager to ensure staff are effectively executing their job duties and operating equipment according to SOPs by providing training and follow-up to ensure accountability
• Safety/Compliance
• Assist Production management with growing Almanac’s safety culture, adhering to OSHA and all safety regulations and practices to ensure a safe and productive work environment. 
• With Production management, review necessary safety and workplace conduct regulations, train staff on applicable regulations, and enforce departmental compliance and brewery safety
• ERP Data Management & Recordkeeping
• Maintain daily log of packaging operations
• Create and maintain all packaging operations records within the ERP database.
• Write written SOPs for packaging operations
• Assist with development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and track production goals and efficiencies

Requirements:

• 2+ years professional packaging brewery experience; specific functional experience in operation of beverage packaging equipment
• 2+ years experience working on machines with multiple moving parts
• Forklift certification required
• Ability to work a schedule of (5) full 8-hour (or longer) workdays per week, with the flexibility to occasionally work nights or weekends as needed
• Highly organized individual who will take pride in maintaining a clean, well-functioning packaging facility
• Excellent communication skills: this position requires constant coordination with Production, Operations and communication with Sales staff & all members of management
• Must have a clean driving record and valid California driver’s license
• Must be 21 years of age
• Must pass post-offer pre-employment background check
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

 Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand for extended periods of time
• Able to regularly twist, turn, lift supplies and equipment up to 50-lb (I.e., cases of beer, bags of malt)
• Able to move 165-lb kegs of beer (using appropriate techniques and tools)
• Able to work in a production environment where noise level is usually moderate to loud and warehouse temperature fluctuates according to the weather
• Ability to work a rotating schedule, including morning/mid/weekend/evening shifts

Compensation: Starting range $28-$35/hour, based on experience. Almanac benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, paid holidays and beer perks!

TO APPLY:

E-mail breweryjob@almanacbeer.com your resume with a cover letter telling us how your experience demonstrates the qualities we seek, starting with the Subject Line: “Packaging Technician”.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Almanac Beer Company strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

ABOUT ALMANAC:

Almanac was launched in 2011 by Damian Fagan and Jesse Friedman, two avid homebrewers who bonded over their mutual appreciation for California farmer's markets. They set out to brew beers inspired by California’s rich agricultural bounty, and brewed their first beer—a Belgian-style golden ale aged in Sonoma County Zinfandel barrels with Sonoma County blackberries. Our name, Almanac, refers to the Farmer’s Almanac, a reference guide for farmers that has been published every year since 1818. Our motto, Farm to Barrel, was adopted to reflect our passion for brewing barrel-aged beers that showcase ingredients from California farms. All of our beers are brewed, aged, and packaged at our 30,000 square feet brewery on the former Alameda Point Naval Airbase on beautiful Alameda Island. Our portfolio of beers spans the gamut from delicate oak-aged lagers, to nuanced barrel-aged sours, decadent stouts, and of course, hazy IPAs.

Almanac Beer Company strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.