BOTTLE FILLER & MACHINE OPERATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a machine operator, you’ll work with some of the most sophisticated machinery in the world!!! Beverage production requires a lot of custom machinery, equipment and automation that is both operated and maintained by a dedicated team of individuals.

Your focus will be to set up the production line for maximum success including: following recipes, measuring ingredients, feeding supplies into the machines, testing the systems, keeping everyth ing clean and sanitized, checking the final products, dealing with corrective actions, documentation and much much more!

It’s a big responsibility, be we know you’re up for the challenge!

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Brewing beer is truly a labour of love; you’ll be on your feet continuously moving, lifting, reaching, climbing and crouching. This is a position where you’ll need to be able to lift up to 100lbs and be able to use larger tools like paddles to stir during the brewing process. Having good mobility is required to move hoses, remove heavy coverings/ lids, climb ladders, move buckets, etc.

Conditions of the plant can be cold, hot, wet and noisy when the machines are running. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will need to be worn to keep you safe on the job including hair nets, masks, goggles, gloves, and steal toe boots/shoes to name a few.

Brewers often work on shifts based on the production schedules, sometimes 8 or 12 hours shifts. A typical work week is about 40 hours and it’s not uncommon to have shifts scheduled on evenings or weekends. During busy seasons, you’ll have the opportunity to work and earn overtime!

Breweries are renowned for their close-knit teams, inclusivity and family- like working environment. Working dynamically as a team is an essential part of meeting the demanding production schedule and might just be the working atmosphere you’ve been searching for!

FACT: Beverage manufacturing is a big deal, some of Coca-Cola’s facilities span the size of 15 Football fields!

BOTTLE FILLER & MACHINE OPERATOR SALARY:

Low Range

$27k+ annually
$14 per hour

Average

$39k annually
$20 per hour

High Range

$44k+ annually
$23+ per hour

*Annual salary calculated by 37.5 hr work week, and by a 52 weeks per year

You don’t need to have any previous experience to begin a career in the beverage processing sector, just the willingness to learn the ropes. As with most industries, your salary or hourly wage is based on your experience and education. Being a hard worker and a productive and dependable team member will also go a long way in securing a higher salary.

A significant portion of the beverage manufacturing industry is unionized providing more career security, slightly higher wages, and more training opportunities. There are both hourly and salaried positions in the industry, including sick days, vacation time and opportunities for overtime pay in busy seasons. Many employers offer comprehensive benefit packages including medical, vision, dental, disability insurance and RRSP contributions.

Some employers offer cool perks like discounts on their products, company swag, and fully funded continuing education programs. Larger employers may host family friendly events throughout the year, and offer a multitude of family and mental health resources accessible for all employees.

BOTTLE FILLER & MACHINE OPERATOR JOB DUTIES:

Here are some of the job duties that a bottle filler and machine operator are responsible for:

Moving, handling, and keeping inventory of raw materials (aka ingredients)
Prepping bottles, cans, lids, labels and other supplies for use, ensuring there are no defects. You’ll also help feed the supplies and raw materials into the machines to help make the final product.
Check production schedules and set up stations for daily operations, including calibrating the machines.
Operate Equipment and Machinery according to SOPs
Monitor and control the machine’s performance, regularly conducting tests to make sure the machine is functioning properly. You may have to perform corrective actions or inspect the machines if there are any issues.
Clean machines, equipment and immediate work areas
Check final products to ensure they meet company standards or for defects.
Fill out documentation and
Logging activities and outputs throughout the shift, such as product information like quantity, weight, and date, as well as any machine information.

Competitiveness & Availability

Out of all the food production jobs, the beverage industry is highly attractive due to its ideal working conditions, unionization, as well as good benefits and pay. It may be more difficult to get a job in the beverage sector as opposed to other food processing subsectors as there is a lower turnover rate in this sector.

Given the size and nature of large processing plants, they are often located on the outskirts of cities or in remote industrial areas – meaning that you may have to commute to get to work. Being physically fit and able to stand/ walk for long periods of time, move and lift heavy loads (50lbs) is also something employers are seeking as it’s vital for the role. Basic mathematic skills are required for the job.

Advancement Opportunities

Everyone plays a role ensuring that the production lines run smoothly and all orders are fulfilled in a timely fashion. Thoroughly understanding the overall running cycle of the plant, inspection regulations and the processes which are specific to your area(s) are key to achieving the quotas as a team, making safe products and making you a front runner when it comes to advancement opportunities.

A machine operator acquires most of their skills through on-the-job training, displaying a good work ethic, resourcefulness, organization and positive leadership are ways to achieve further success in your role and gain opportunities for advancement. Cross-training in as many areas as possible will make you a helpful team member no matter where they place you.

Education

Many employers require a Food Safe Level 1 certification and completion of your high school diploma or equivalency. Any prior experience in a manufacturing environment, warehousing, production, or machine operation is always valuable.

Throughout Canada, many Colleges offer a 1-2 year certificate, diploma and/or apprenticeship programs in food production, introducing you to the skills, safety and business side of things. While you can (and do) learn on the job, programs like these can bring you up to speed faster and expose you to the full gamut of possibilities – fast-tracking your career. Any education in food safety, warehousing, processing/ manufacturing or production are also highly attractive to employers. You may want to consider some short courses in food safety and other industry-related topics, such as:

Cleaning &Sanitation(SSOP)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
WHMIS
Equipment Operation
Forklift Operator Training
WorkplaceHealth & Safety
Mathematics
Oral Communication
Lock Out-Tag Out
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
Preventive Control Plans (PCP)

If you’re just starting out and don’t have any industry training, not to worry, you’ll receive all the training you require on the job. Typically, you’ll also receive some factory-specific training to help understand company policies and the lay of the land!