Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kombucha Packaging Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Kombucha Packaging Assistant is a cornerstone of our production team, serving as the final guardian of quality before our product reaches the hands of our customers. This role is at the heart of the action, operating on the front lines of our packaging hall to ensure every bottle and can of kombucha is filled, sealed, and packaged to our exacting standards. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment, the Packaging Assistant is responsible for the seamless operation of our automated packaging lines, upholding rigorous standards for safety, sanitation, and product integrity. This is a hands-on position for a detail-oriented and reliable individual who takes immense pride in their work and wants to be a key player in a growing craft beverage company.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
Food Service Staff (e.g., Kitchen Prep, Barback)
General Production or Manufacturing Laborer

Advancement To:

Packaging Lead or Line Supervisor
Cellar Technician or Brewing Assistant
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Logistics and Inventory Coordinator
Maintenance Apprentice

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and monitor high-speed canning and bottling lines, including fillers, seamers, labelers, and case packers, to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
Perform routine and deep cleaning and sanitation of all packaging equipment, tanks, and the surrounding work area, strictly adhering to company sanitation standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Conduct critical quality control checks at various stages, meticulously monitoring fill levels, carbonation, cap/seam integrity, date codes, and label placement to prevent defects.
Accurately and legibly complete all required production and quality assurance paperwork, carefully documenting batch numbers, production dates, and QA results for full traceability.
Safely and efficiently build and stack finished cases of product onto pallets, ensuring proper stacking patterns and securely stretch-wrapping them for transport and warehouse storage.
Manage the constant supply of raw packaging materials (e.g., cans, bottles, labels, cartons) to the line, coordinating with the warehouse team to prevent shortages and production stops.
Troubleshoot and resolve minor mechanical issues and jams on the packaging line to minimize production interruptions and promptly escalate complex problems to maintenance staff.
Execute the setup and changeover of packaging equipment for different product types or container sizes, working with the team to reduce changeover time and maximize efficiency.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times by following all safety protocols, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Operate a forklift and/or electric pallet jack in a safe and controlled manner to move raw materials and finished goods within the production and warehouse areas.
Support the kegging process as needed, which includes cleaning, sanitizing, and filling kegs with finished kombucha according to precise quality standards.
Monitor inventory levels of all packaging supplies during a shift and clearly communicate needs to the Packaging Lead or Inventory Manager to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
Diligently follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety regulations to guarantee the final product is consistently safe and of high quality for our consumers.
Uphold the company's quality and brand standards in every case of product that leaves the facility, acting as a final checkpoint for product integrity.
Accurately read and interpret daily production schedules to prepare the line, materials, and necessary documentation for the day's scheduled runs.

Secondary Functions

Assist in gathering and logging production data, such as downtime, output rates, and material waste, for quality and efficiency analysis.
Contribute to the brewery's continuous improvement program by actively providing feedback on processes and suggesting practical enhancements for safety, quality, and efficiency.
Collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment preparation and assist with finished goods inventory records.
Participate in daily team huddles and planning meetings to review production goals, discuss safety topics, and coordinate tasks with team members.
Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks on packaging equipment, such as lubrication and inspection of moving parts, as directed by the lead or maintenance team.
Assist with periodic inventory cycle counts for both finished goods and raw materials to help ensure system-wide inventory accuracy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Mechanical Aptitude: A natural ability to understand how machinery works and to perform basic troubleshooting and adjustments on packaging equipment.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs): Working knowledge of food safety standards and the importance of maintaining a sanitary production environment.
Forklift / Pallet Jack Operation: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment to move heavy loads (certification is a major plus).
Sanitation Procedures: Experience with cleaning chemicals and procedures (CIP/COP) used in a food-grade facility.
Data Entry & Record Keeping: Ability to meticulously and accurately fill out logs, forms, and tracking sheets.
Equipment Operation: Experience running automated or semi-automated machinery in a production setting is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for spotting minor defects in packaging, labels, or product quality that others might miss.
Teamwork & Communication: The ability to work collaboratively, communicate clearly with team members and leads, and contribute to a positive team environment.
Reliability & Strong Work Ethic: A dependable team player who is punctual, task-oriented, and willing to put in the effort to meet team goals.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to think on your feet to resolve minor issues quickly and know when to ask for help with bigger challenges.
Ability to Follow Instructions: Can precisely follow detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safety, quality, and operational tasks.
Time Management: Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate in Food Safety (e.g., ServSafe), forklift operation, or a program from a technical/trade school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years in a relevant hands-on role.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience in a fast-paced production environment, especially within the food and beverage, brewery, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Direct experience operating automated packaging equipment (fillers, labelers, etc.) is a significant advantage.