Packaging Technician

Upslope Brewing Company; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Packaging Technician, where you will play a vital role in the production of award-winning craft beverages. This position offers on-the-job training and is perfect for those looking to grow in a supportive environment. You will operate essential packaging machinery, ensure product quality, and contribute to sustainability initiatives. With a focus on teamwork and innovation, this role invites you to be part of a culture that values each employee's impact. Enjoy competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to make a difference in the craft brewing industry.

Benefits

Sick Pay

Paid Holidays

Paid Volunteer Hours

401(k) Program

Free RTD EcoPass

Free Beer

Merchandise Discounts

Professional Development Opportunities

Discounts on Outdoor Equipment

Qualifications

• Desire to contribute to a strong company culture focused on sustainability.
• Ability to work as a team and collaborate effectively with diverse individuals.
• Flexibility and a strong work ethic are essential.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain various packaging equipment.
• Inspect quality of packaged products and ensure they meet standards.
• Assist with inventory counts and maintain cleanliness in the packaging area.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Problem-Solving Skills

Math Skills

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Tools

Hi-Cone 6 Packer

iPak Case Erector

Hartness Case Dropper

Columbia Automatic Palletizer

Pearson Box Erector

Hamrick 12 Pack Can Dropper

12 Pack Case-Sealer

Depalletizer

Pallet Wrapper

Vacuum Lift

2T Comac Keg Station

Job description

Upslope Brewing Company is a Certified B Corporation, which means we meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Through investment in our employees, continuous process improvement, and a focus on innovation, we aim to deliver a high-quality product, while prioritizing environmental stewardship and inclusion in our operations, brand, and partnerships.

Position: Packaging Technician (on-the-job training available)

Job Description:

We are currently in need of a Packaging Technician and Filler Operator to join our hardworking and fun-loving team. Our Packaging Team is a crucial component of our production process and we couldn't get our award-winning craft beverages out the door without them! We are continuing to grow and are looking to fill these positions immediately. We offer on-the-job training for folks with translational skills and a higher starting pay for those with prior brewery experience.

The main responsibility of the technician will be operating back-of-line packaging equipment to ensure that all cans are being packed properly and efficiently in various packaging formats. This position is also responsible for helping set up the canning line for packaging runs in the morning and shutting down/cleaning procedures of the line at the end of a run. Packaging Technicians are in charge of various machines and are responsible for their preventative maintenance, upkeep, and upgrades of these machines. Packaging Technicians ensure the proper quality and conditions of packaged products and aid in various other cleaning and production tasks as assigned by the Packaging Manager or Vice President of Brewing Operations. Other tasks include but are not limited to: driving a van or truck to make deliveries between facilities and the recycling plant; stepping in to help other Operators run their machines; event preparation; sustainability initiatives; etc.

Job Responsibilities/ Duties:

• Safely and efficiently operate, maintain, and clean Hi-Cone 6 packer, iPak case erector, Hartness case dropper, Columbia automatic palletizer, Pearson box erector, Hamrick 12 pack can dropper, 12 pack case-sealer, depalletizer, pallet wrapper, vacuum lift, 2T Comac keg station, box erector and electrical/ standard pallet jacks (as well as forklifts after completing training).
• Participates in safety training and abides by safety policies.
• Ensures canning equipment and hardware are in functioning order and notify the Fill Operator, Packaging Manager, Shift Supervisor, and/or the maintenance department in case of malfunctioning.
• Inspect the quality of packaged product and assure it is fit for distribution - notify Fill Operator, Packaging Manager, Shift Supervisor, and/or QC department about anything out of spec in the packaging process (i.e. Color of cans, quality of print on boxes, dirtiness on cans, leaking seams, dented/wrinkled cans, etc.)
• Assist Can and Keg Fill Operators with any startup and shut-down procedure. Follow the closing clean-up checklist and check out with Packaging Manager.
• Ensure the packaging area is kept clean and organized.
• Ensure packaging materials and equipment are kept clean and organized.
• Help Fill Operators accurately count inventory for runs.
• Safely handle and mix chemicals.
• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required–steel-toed shoes, ear protection, chemical goggles/gloves, eye protection, back brace, etc.
• Use of software to clock in and out at appropriate times, check weekly schedules, and request time off.
• Helps implement and maintain a functioning 5S system for the packaging department.
• Helps maintain stock of packaging supplies by notifying Packaging Manager when inventory is running low using the 5S system.
• Constantly seeks ways to improve the efficiency of the canning process and minimize losses (with the consent of the VP of Brewing Operations and Packaging Manager).
• Helps Kegging Operators when they are not needed for canning work.
• Help with various other tasks/projects when required (inventory counts, deep cleaning, maintenance, pickups, deliveries, etc).
• CIP/SIP of brite tanks.
• Each Canner Position has a different responsibility (see the sheet attached).
• Takes initiative and can work efficiently without direction.

Shifts:
Shifts are 8 working hours on a two-week rotation, Monday through Friday as follows (and subject to production needs seasonally). This is a seasonal position from May - September

• 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
• 9:00 am - 5:30 pm or 10:00 am - 6:30 pm

Physical and Mental Demands of the Job:

• Must be able to accurately record packaged product amounts.
• Must be able to accurately record inventory counts.
• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, safely work with chemicals (PPE and training provided), and exposure to varied temperatures, loud noise, and a general manufacturing environment. Upslope will make reasonable accommodations in accordance with the ADA.

Compensation, Benefits, and Culture:
Upslope offers a transparent and unique work environment with an emphasis on teamwork and innovation. It’s important to make sure each employee understands the impact they have on the mission. We work for beer but get paid in dollars.

• Starting pay is $18 - $22 hourly, with opportunities for overtime pay and a 90-day pay and performance review
• Sick Pay, Paid Holidays, and Paid Volunteer Hours beginning 30-days after employment
• Access to free, high-quality concierge virtual Health and Wellness Care starting day 1
• 401(k) Program
• Free RTD EcoPass
• Free Beer (Daily taproom perks and monthly retail beer allotments)
• Merchandise discounts
• Discounts & Pro Deals on outdoor equipment & activities
• Professional Development opportunities
• And many more!

Qualifications:

• A desire to contribute to a strong company culture that prioritizes employee well-being and environmental sustainability.
• Ability to work as a team and collaborate effectively with a diverse group of individuals.
• Flexibility, good communication skills, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic.
• Mechanical aptitude, basic problem-solving, and math skills are a plus.
• Ability to stand for 8+ hours with breaks and lift up to 50lbs (with assistance) is preferred and these traits can be developed on the job.

Still Apply If..

• You don't have the full experience outlined in the job description (or don't know what some of the terms are), we will fill in the gaps with onsite training.
• You are excited about our mission and core values but don't have prior factory/packaging experience, we can teach you what you need to know to be successful.
• If you don’t have proper safety equipment, we will provide what you need.
• You don't think you are a "typical" factory worker, have gaps in your resume, only possess translational skills, or are shifting careers - simply include a little about yourself and why you want to work for Upslope as a header on your resume.

At Upslope, we’re committed to building justice, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our company. Our goal is to create the ultimate culture of belonging for everyone, regardless of your craft beer knowledge or the number of powder days you crushed this season. We value what makes you unique and want to ensure that you feel encouraged and welcome to apply, work, and Après Everything at Upslope.

Upslope is an equal-opportunity employer. We hire, promote, course-correct, and terminate based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including but not limited to race, color, religion, age, veteran status, medical condition (including pregnancy and genetic information) sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, and criminal history (as our licenses allow.)