Packaging Lead:
Full-Time Position
Company Summary:
Western Cider is an apple grower and cider house in Missoula, Montana. As a company, we aspire to create an institution of great cider, good times, and a life worth living in this far-flung region of the American West. See what we are all about on Instagram or Facebook @westerncider or on our website - westerncider.com
Job Description:
This position is responsible for all aspects of packaging which includes canning, bottling, and kegging. The primary responsibility for this position is operation, sanitation, maintenance, and proper storage of the Wild Goose Can Line, Meheen 6 fill bottler, hand bottler, and keg fillers. These pieces of equipment are highly valuable and must be treated with the utmost care to ensure their efficiency, efficacy and longevity.
The Packaging Lead is responsible for packaging all cider. Sanitation of equipment and the surrounding area is critical. With every package run, cider must be set aside for QA/QC testing. Record keeping is crucial for traceability. With the help of the Head Cidermaker, the packaging manager is responsible for determining tank schedule and accurate carbonation levels. This position will create a packaging schedule for each run, set the crew’s schedule, and execute the plan accordingly. As with any production, planning is imperative. Willingness to adjust scheduling to get the job done while ensuring the highest quality and care of the final product is the primary concern.
The Packaging Lead must have strong mechanical aptitude. Besides always having the canning and bottling equipment in top working order, the ideal candidate will oversee maintenance and repair of glycol lines, chiller, pumps, forklifts, and any other moving parts in the cellar. The Packaging Lead is not responsible for all repairs, but being able to diagnose and fix issues, calling suppliers, and getting the right professional in to assure there is no downtime in production is necessary for this role. This position requires at least a basic understanding of electrical, plumbing and mechanical.
Prerequisites Required:
Minimum of one year previous work experience in a cidery, winery, or brewery
Minimum of one year previous work experience on can or bottle line
Knowledge of sanitation principles and practices
High School diploma including computer competency and effective written communication
Clean and valid drivers license
Ability to work rotating shifts and adjust schedule to meet production demands
Ability to work both independently and with a team
Mechanical aptitude and creativity
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Forklift Experience
Packaging Lead Responsibilities
Operation of Wild Goose can line for all packaging days
Operation of Meheen bottler for all packaging days
Maintenance, upkeep and cleaning of all packaging equipment.
In depth knowledge is required. Ability to set up, breakdown, operate, clean, perform necessary maintenance, and troubleshoot necessary repairs.
Works closely with the packaging techs during packaging days.
Training and Scheduling of packaging team.
Works closely with Head Cider Maker to determine tank schedule, preparation for canning (cleaning of tanks, transfers, carbonation).
Ensures proper record keeping for finished, packaged cider. Enters numbers into packaging log in computer. Records hourly checks on the packaging equipment while running.
Regular checking of CO2, O2, and air compressor. Communication and ordering with Norco.
Responsible for organization of tool shelves and pegboards. Must remain clean and organized.
Compensation and Benefits Package:
Competitive Wage based on experience
Employer Subsidized Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Employer Matching Retirement Plan
Free Cider and Employee Discounts
To apply:
Send a cover letter, resume and three references to michael@westerncider.com with “Packaging Lead” in the subject line. Thanks!
