Packaging Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Funky Buddha Brewery, located in Oakland Park, Florida, is seeking a full-time Packaging Operator I to join its growing team. Established in 2010 at its Boca Raton brewpub, Funky Buddha is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing methods with culinary-inspired recipes utilizing all-natural, food-centric ingredients. Some of its best-known beers include flagships Hop Gun IPA and Floridian Hefeweizen.

Funky Buddha has since expanded its production capabilities beyond craft beer to include THC/CBD beverages. In addition to producing and packaging its own products, the company provides co-packing services for other beverage brands. As the first production brewery in the greater Fort Lauderdale area and the largest brewery in South Florida, Funky Buddha continues to grow and evolve within the broader beverage-manufacturing industry.

“Where the Best Beers Are – Top 20 Brewpubs/Breweries for Good Beer” – USA Today “25 Breweries to Know” – Draft Magazine “10 Best Breweries to Visit in the South” – First We Feast

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Packaging Operator I is responsible for executing production activities within the packaging area for Funky Buddha products and beverages produced on behalf of co-packing partners. This includes beer and THC/CBD beverage products in a variety of packaging formats.

Responsibilities include operating automated keg-washing and filling equipment, assisting with automated canning and bottling equipment, preparing for packaging runs, conducting work-in-process product testing, completing equipment changeovers and clean-in-place procedures, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of production areas.

The Packaging Operator I must be a hard-working, responsible, and self-motivated individual with an interest in beverage manufacturing and a desire to continue learning and growing within the industry.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Package company-owned and co-packed beverage products, including beer and THC/CBD beverages
• Assist with bottling, canning, kegging, case packing, and palletizing
• Follow applicable product specifications and packaging requirements for each production run
• Assist with equipment setup and line changeovers between products, packaging formats, and customer brands
• Verify packaging materials, labels, and finished products for accuracy and quality
• Operate automated keg-cleaning and filling equipment
• Perform manual keg filling when necessary
• Assist with the operation of automated equipment related to bottling and canning
• Perform physical tasks necessary to operate and support packaging lines
• Prepare equipment, packaging materials, and supplies for production runs
• Complete clean-in-place procedures for bottling, canning, and kegging equipment using an automated CIP system
• Perform manual cleaning and sanitation of packaging equipment when needed
• Assist with the organization of raw materials and packaging supplies
• Load and unload trucks when needed
• Unpack, fill, repack, and palletize cases of bottled or canned beverages as needed
• Clean floors, walls, tank exteriors, drains, and other production areas
• Organize new and used pallets
• Assist with general facility upkeep as needed
• Assist with equipment setup, maintenance, and repairs
• Understand and follow all company safety, food-safety, quality, and production requirements
• Maintain accurate and organized production records and log entries
• Properly use required personal protective equipment
• Participate in staff training and other opportunities to expand job knowledge

This list is not exhaustive, and job functions are subject to change to accommodate evolving business and production needs.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performing the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions. The percentage of time spent performing each function will be determined by the supervisor based on the company’s operational needs.

• Assist the Production Manager with production-related duties
• Support other beverage-production and co-packing activities as needed
• Assist with other duties and special projects throughout the brewery and production facility

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Near Vision: Constant
• Far Vision: Constant
• Hearing: Constant
• Talking: Constant
• Standing: Constant
• Walking: Frequent
• Crouching, Bending, and Stooping: Frequent
• Lifting/Carrying Up to 55 Pounds: Frequent
• Reaching: Frequent
• Grasping: Frequent
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequent
• Climbing Stairs: Occasional
• Sitting: Occasional
• Computer Use: Occasional

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

OSHA regulations require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment when performing duties that may present a risk to employee health or safety. Required PPE may include:

• Safety goggles in designated eye-protection areas
• Steel-toe rubber boots
• Safety gloves when handling industrial-strength chemicals
• Hearing protection in loud environments

Employees will be trained in the proper use and care of assigned PPE. Funky Buddha Brewery provides required PPE. Employees are responsible for reporting defective, damaged, lost, or improperly fitting PPE or equipment to their manager.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities and be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Previous experience in a brewery, packaging, manufacturing, food production, or beverage-production environment is preferred
• Interest in developing a career within the craft brewing or beverage-manufacturing industry
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced production environment
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Flexibility regarding work hours and willingness to work night shifts, weekends, and overtime when required
• Ability to work safely with industrial chemicals
• Ability to work safely in a wet, noisy, and non-temperature-controlled environment
• Ability to follow different product, packaging, and customer specifications
• Ability to meet established production, quality, food-safety, and workplace-safety standards
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records

Funky Buddha Brewery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.