Packaging Operator

Packaging Associate

Highpoint Cider is seeking a detail-oriented, mechanically minded, and self-motivated individual to join our production team in Victor, Idaho (Teton Valley) to pursue an engaging and purposeful career in craft beverage.

Highpoint Cider has been crafting the highest quality ciders with integrity, passion, and dedication since 2018. We began in our living room in Jackson, WY, and have since built a 10,000 sqft production facility in Victor, ID, with multi-state wholesale distribution. We are a healthy, fast-growing cider company, and this position works in our production facility and warehouse.

The Packaging Associate serves in a core production role responsible for getting finished cider into cans and kegs and out the door. When fully trained, the Packaging Associate runs the canning line from setup through shutdown, owns package quality on the line, manages packaging materials and finished goods inventory, and builds and ships orders to our distributors, upholding the standards of quality and excellence at Highpoint Cider.

We foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and learning. Advancement opportunities always exist, and growth is fostered. We encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. We offer equitable pay and strive to reward excellence.

We believe a truly inspiring and diverse place to work is a must. We want you to join our team of passionate self-starters who believe the world is full of untapped opportunities. Differing perspectives lead to challenging the expected, which fosters innovation and progression of our craft.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Canning line and kegging

• Responsible for start-ups, shut-downs, product changeovers, line troubleshooting, clearing jams, and cleaning and sanitation of all packaging equipment
• Prepare materials and equipment for packaging runs (cans, ends, carriers, trays, labels, and pallets)
• Perform line checks during runs: fill levels, seam checks, dissolved oxygen and carbonation, date coding, and package integrity; hold and report anything out of spec
• Clean, fill, and track kegs using our keg tracking software
• Perform minor preventative and corrective maintenance (autonomous maintenance), lubricate machinery, and make operational adjustments to keep equipment running efficiently and producing quality product; equipment-specific training will be provided
• Log material usage, yields, and losses for every run

Warehouse, inventory, and shipping

• Pull and rotate stock; maintain accurate daily inventory of finished product and packaging materials
• Monthly audits of packaged cider inventory and record keeping
• Build outgoing shipments of cider accurately and on time, including pallet building and wrapping
• Fill orders for self-distribution and FOB shipments to distributors
• Unload incoming freight, inspect product for damage, and verify shipments against packing lists and purchase orders
• Forklift operations for loading and unloading product (certification provided)
• Work closely with the cellar and sales teams to resolve inventory discrepancies
• Keep the warehouse and material storage clean and organized to reflect the Highpoint brand

Quality, safety, and team

• Follow, write, and revise Standard Operating Procedures
• Ensure company standards for food safety, proper handling, sanitation, and productivity are maintained, and complete all required food safety records
• Assist the cellar as needed with transfers, cleaning, and tank prep ahead of packaging runs
• Safely unbox and assemble new equipment as needed
• Attend requisite meetings including safety breakouts, quarterly meetings, and daily shift meetings
• Perform assignments safely at all times; participate in accident investigation and follow-up, hazard analysis, and safety improvement discussions
• Expected to be trained on multiple pieces of equipment and to assist in training others
• Help out with all other duties as needed

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions and prioritize to successfully complete multiple tasks
• Desire to employ a Safety-First approach
• Willingness to work flexible schedules to meet deadlines, including early starts on packaging days
• Basic mechanical and technical aptitude; comfortable with hand tools and learning how equipment works
• Previous experience on a canning or bottling line, in a warehouse, or on a forklift is great, not required. We're happy to train you.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Eager to learn and enjoy working with others
• Must be able to effectively manage time and work through task lists to completion
• Basic computer literacy needed; we'll train you on the software tools we use to manage workflow and inventory
• Understand, read, analyze, and interpret data
• Analyze and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of circumstances
• Mental flexibility: we're always improving and reinventing processes. Change can be expected. New ideas are always encouraged and explored.
• Serious about delivering results, with pride in a proven track record
• As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to provide consent to complete a background check

Requirements and Work Environment

• At least 21 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Full mobility and physical capability to safely and effectively work in a cidery and warehouse, including:
• Sitting or standing up to 10 hours per shift
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb
• Manual manipulation of small parts and all equipment necessary to the job
• Lifting up to 55 pounds to shoulder height repetitively
• Ability to maneuver 150 lbs (full kegs)
• Working in often hot, wet, cold, and humid conditions, including a cold room and around moving machinery
• Regular use of hands; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders; grip and manual dexterity

Benefits and Compensation

Highpoint Cider offers industry-competitive wages along with the following benefits:

• $18–22 per hour D.O.E.
• Medical insurance (health, dental, vision)
• Discounts at Highpoint Cider
• Cider stipend!
• Highpoint merchandise and swag

Highpoint Cider is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from candidates of all backgrounds, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic.

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person