Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Juice Production Worker

🎯 Role Definition

The Juice Production Worker is a foundational pillar of our manufacturing operations, responsible for the hands-on creation of high-quality, safe, and delicious beverage products. This role is at the heart of the entire process, from raw material handling to final packaging. A successful Juice Production Worker is a detail-oriented and safety-conscious individual who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. They ensure that every bottle meets our stringent standards for quality and taste by meticulously following recipes, operating sophisticated machinery, and upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety. This position is not just about making juice; it's about being a guardian of our brand's quality and a key contributor to the team's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Production Associate
Food Service Worker or Kitchen Prep
Warehouse or Shipping/Receiving Associate

Advancement To:

Senior Production Operator or Machine Specialist
Production Line Lead or Team Leader
Quality Control (QC) Technician or Lab Assistant
Production Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Sanitation Technician
Packaging Operator
Warehouse Inventory Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate, monitor, and adjust a variety of production equipment, including blenders, pasteurizers, fillers, and cappers, to ensure optimal performance and continuous operation.
Accurately weigh, measure, and combine raw ingredients and concentrates according to detailed batch records and formulations to ensure product consistency and quality.
Conduct in-process quality control checks, such as temperature, brix, and pH testing, to verify that products meet all established specifications before moving to the next stage.
Perform thorough cleaning and sanitation of all processing equipment, tanks, and production lines using Clean-in-Place (CIP) and manual cleaning methods to prevent cross-contamination.
Meticulously complete all required production documentation, including batch logs, quality check sheets, and downtime reports, ensuring data is accurate and legible.
Adhere strictly to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines, and company food safety protocols at all times.
Proactively identify and troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and process deviations, escalating complex issues to maintenance or supervision promptly to minimize downtime.
Prepare raw fruits and vegetables for processing, which may include washing, sorting, and inspecting materials to ensure only the highest quality ingredients are used.
Safely operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, to move raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods throughout the facility.
Visually inspect finished products, including bottles, caps, and labels, for any defects and ensure they are correctly coded, dated, and packaged according to specifications.
Set up and perform changeovers of production equipment between different product runs, ensuring all components are correct and machinery is calibrated for the next batch.
Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) as defined by the HACCP plan, taking immediate corrective action if a deviation is observed and documenting the event.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by following 5S principles and participating in general housekeeping duties within the production environment.
Assist in the careful stacking, palletizing, and stretch-wrapping of finished product cases to prepare them for storage in the warehouse or shipment.
Communicate effectively with team members, line leads, and supervisors regarding production status, quality issues, or safety concerns to ensure a collaborative work environment.

Secondary Functions

Support the inventory control team by assisting with periodic cycle counts of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies.
Actively participate in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at enhancing safety, quality, efficiency, and reducing waste.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new production workers, demonstrating proper procedures and sharing job knowledge to build team capability.
Provide support to the sanitation team during deep cleaning schedules or when additional sanitation tasks are required.
Collaborate with the maintenance department to perform basic preventative maintenance tasks, such as lubrication or parts inspection, on production machinery.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Machine Operation: Ability to operate and monitor automated and semi-automated production machinery (e.g., fillers, labelers, pasteurizers).
GMP & HACCP: Strong understanding and practical application of Good Manufacturing Practices and food safety principles.
Sanitation Procedures: Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and Clean-in-Place (CIP) / Sanitize-in-Place (SIP) systems.
Quality Control Testing: Experience with basic quality checks, including visual inspection and use of measurement tools (e.g., thermometers, pH meters).
Basic Math & Measurement: Proficiency in performing accurate calculations, conversions, and measurements for batching and record-keeping.
Documentation: Skill in maintaining accurate, clear, and contemporaneous production records and logs.
Forklift Operation: Certification or ability to become certified to operate a forklift and other material handling equipment safely.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to following procedures, recipes, and quality standards to prevent errors.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse team to achieve common production goals.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment, handle multiple tasks, and adapt to changing production schedules.
Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and finding practical solutions on the production line.
Strong Work Ethic: A reliable and punctual individual committed to safety, quality, and productivity.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly convey information and listen effectively to instructions and feedback from team members and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational Certificate or Associate's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Science
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of relevant work experience.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience in a food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, or other cGMP-regulated production environment is highly desirable.