Juice Dispenser Operator | Beverage Production & Service
💰 $18 - $25 / hour
🎯 Role Definition
As a Juice Dispenser Operator, you are the guardian of our beverage quality and the frontline of our customer experience. This position involves the meticulous operation, cleaning, and maintenance of commercial juice dispensing equipment. You will be responsible for ensuring every beverage served meets our strict standards for taste, temperature, and presentation. This role is perfect for a proactive individual with a mechanical aptitude and a passion for quality control within a food service or production setting. You will play a vital part in operational efficiency, safety compliance, and inventory management.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Food Service Worker or Restaurant Crew Member
- Barista or Bartender
- Production Line Worker
Advancement To:
- Lead Beverage Technician or Shift Supervisor
- Quality Control Inspector
- Facilities or Equipment Maintenance Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Inventory Control Coordinator
- Field Service Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Operate and meticulously monitor automated and manual juice dispensing systems throughout scheduled shifts to ensure continuous and efficient operation.
- Execute precise calibration of dispensing equipment to maintain the correct brix (sugar-to-water ratio) and flavor concentration for all beverage offerings.
- Conduct comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning and sanitization protocols for all juice dispensing equipment, including nozzles, lines, and contact surfaces, to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
- Perform routine quality control checks on dispensed products, including taste tests, temperature readings, and visual inspections, to guarantee product consistency and quality.
- Systematically break down, clean, and reassemble machine components in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and internal standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Troubleshoot and resolve common equipment issues in real-time, such as clogs, leaks, or calibration drifts, to minimize downtime and service interruptions.
- Manage the "bag-in-box" (BIB) system, including properly connecting, rotating, and replacing juice concentrate containers to ensure freshness and uninterrupted supply.
- Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and food handling regulations, including HACCP and ServSafe standards, to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment.
- Monitor and maintain optimal operating temperatures for all refrigerated components and products to ensure both quality and safety.
- Skillfully manage multiple dispensers simultaneously during peak hours, ensuring all are stocked, clean, and functioning correctly to meet high demand.
- Prepare the beverage station for service by ensuring all supplies are fully stocked, equipment is operational, and the area is clean and presentable.
- Document and report any major equipment malfunctions or recurring technical issues to the maintenance department or shift supervisor for prompt resolution.
- Ensure all safety mechanisms and guards on the equipment are in place and functioning correctly before and during operation.
Secondary Functions
- Maintain detailed and accurate operational logs, recording production volumes, cleaning schedules, maintenance activities, and any quality control deviations.
- Assist in managing and tracking the inventory of juice concentrates, CO2 canisters, cups, lids, and other related supplies, reporting low stock levels to management.
- Collaborate with the supply chain or purchasing team to ensure timely ordering and receiving of necessary beverage products and machine parts.
- Participate actively in team meetings to discuss operational challenges, share best practices for efficiency, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
- Train new team members on the proper operation, cleaning procedures, and safety protocols for all juice dispensing equipment.
- Provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance to customers or staff with questions regarding the beverage options or dispenser operation.
- Support the implementation of new beverage products or equipment, learning new procedures and contributing to a smooth rollout.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating commercial beverage dispensing systems (e.g., fountain, BIB, post-mix/pre-mix).
- Basic Mechanical Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and fix minor mechanical issues like clogs, line blockages, and sensor errors.
- Sanitization & Cleaning Protocols: Deep knowledge of food-grade cleaning chemicals and sanitation procedures (CIP - Clean-In-Place).
- Quality Control Testing: Experience with performing quality checks such as brix testing with a refractometer, temperature checks, and sensory evaluation.
- Food Safety & HACCP: Strong understanding and practical application of food safety standards and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points.
- Inventory Management: Competence in tracking stock levels, conducting cycle counts, and managing product rotation (FIFO).
- Technical Documentation: Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in monitoring machine performance, product quality, and cleanliness to prevent errors.
- Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying issues and implementing effective solutions quickly.
- Reliability & Punctuality: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to being a dependable team member.
- Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment, from routine checks to urgent troubleshooting.
- Communication Skills: Clear and concise in reporting issues to supervisors and collaborating with team members.
- Physical Stamina: Capable of standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects (e.g., BIBs), and performing repetitive tasks.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities, new equipment, or updated procedures.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Vocational school certificate in equipment maintenance, food production, or a related technical field.
- ServSafe or other accredited food handler certification.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Food Science
- Hospitality Management
- Mechanical Maintenance
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a relevant role.
Preferred:
- Prior experience as a machine operator in a food and beverage manufacturing plant or a high-volume hospitality environment (e.g., large hotel, convention center, or quick-service restaurant).
- Demonstrable experience working with beverage dispensing technology and performing routine maintenance.