Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Juice Bottler
💰 $17 - $25 per hour
ManufacturingProductionFood & Beverage
🎯 Role Definition
A Juice Bottler is the hands-on expert at the heart of our production process, ensuring that every bottle of juice is filled, sealed, and packaged to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This role is the final checkpoint before our products reach the consumer, making it a critical position for upholding brand reputation and customer satisfaction. You are not just operating machinery; you are a guardian of quality, a champion of safety, and a key player in a dynamic team dedicated to producing delicious, high-quality beverages. This position requires a sharp eye for detail, a commitment to cleanliness, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- General Production Worker or Assembler
- Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
- Food Service or Kitchen Staff
Advancement To:
- Bottling Line Lead or Team Leader
- Quality Control (QC) Technician
- Production Supervisor or Shift Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Blending or Batching Operator
- Machine Operator (Packaging/Labeling)
- Sanitation Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Skillfully operate, monitor, and adjust high-speed automated bottling equipment, including fillers, cappers, labelers, and case packers, to ensure continuous and efficient production.
- Execute equipment setup and changeovers for different bottle sizes and product types, meticulously following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to minimize downtime.
- Conduct rigorous in-process quality control checks at regular intervals, verifying product fill levels, cap torque, label placement, and date code accuracy to maintain strict quality standards.
- Perform sensory evaluations of the product, such as checking for correct color, clarity, and aroma, before and during the bottling run.
- Maintain a constant supply of necessary materials to the production line, including empty bottles, caps, labels, and packaging, coordinating with material handlers.
- Accurately complete all required production documentation and batch records in real-time, detailing production counts, downtime, quality checks, and material usage.
- Proactively identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and machine stoppages on the bottling line to maintain operational flow and efficiency.
- Adhere strictly to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety protocols to prevent product contamination and ensure consumer safety.
- Follow all established health and safety regulations, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and practicing safe machine operation.
- Execute cleaning and sanitation procedures for all bottling line equipment and the surrounding production area, including Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Clean-Out-of-Place (COP) systems.
- Monitor control panels and readouts to ensure that machine parameters like speed, temperature, and pressure are within the specified tolerances for the product being run.
- Assist in taking product samples from the line for the Quality Assurance lab to conduct micro and analytical testing.
- Inspect finished products for any defects, such as leaks, damaged labels, or incorrect packaging, and take appropriate corrective action to segregate non-conforming products.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, including other operators, maintenance technicians, and quality assurance personnel, to resolve production issues.
- Participate in end-of-shift cleaning routines and prepare the production line for the next shift to ensure a smooth transition.
- Manage the rework process for any products that do not meet initial quality checks, ensuring minimal waste and adherence to quality protocols.
- Operate forklifts or pallet jacks to move raw materials and finished goods within the production and warehouse areas (if certified).
- Report any major equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or quality deviations to the Production Supervisor or Line Lead immediately.
- Strive to meet or exceed daily production targets and efficiency goals without compromising on safety or quality.
- Engage in continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions on how to improve processes, safety, and efficiency on the bottling line.
Secondary Functions
- Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members, demonstrating proper machine operation and safety procedures.
- Participate in inventory counts of raw materials and packaging supplies to support accurate stock management.
- Contribute to team meetings and operational reviews, sharing insights from the production floor.
- Support the maintenance team by assisting with preventative maintenance tasks and machine deep-cleaning during scheduled downtime.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Machine Operation: Proven ability to operate and monitor automated manufacturing equipment, specifically filling, capping, and labeling machines.
- GMP & Food Safety: Strong understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP principles, and general food safety standards.
- Quality Control: Experience with performing in-process quality checks, using measurement tools, and identifying product defects.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Basic ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor mechanical issues on production machinery.
- Sanitation Procedures (CIP/COP): Knowledge of and ability to execute proper cleaning and sanitation protocols for food-grade equipment.
- Technical Documentation: Ability to accurately read, interpret, and complete production logs, batch records, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous and observant, capable of spotting subtle deviations in product quality or machine performance.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent ability to work cooperatively within a team to achieve shared production goals.
- Problem-Solving: A proactive and logical approach to identifying issues and implementing effective solutions in a timely manner.
- Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing production schedules, product changeovers, and unexpected challenges.
- Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to performing duties with a high level of diligence and integrity.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Vocational or Technical Certificate in a related field such as Industrial Maintenance or Manufacturing Technology.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Manufacturing Processes
- Food Science
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience as a machine operator or bottler in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods industry is highly desirable.