Filler Operator - Bottling Manufacturing

Job Title: Filler Operator/Production

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Approved By: M. Pyles

Revision Date: 07/22/2026

Position Summary

The Filler Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of automated beverage filling equipment to ensure products meet Crystal Geyser Water Company's quality, food safety, and production standards.

This position monitors filling equipment performance, performs routine operational adjustments and preventive maintenance, completes required production documentation, and works collaboratively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Sanitation, and Warehouse teams to maintain continuous operations. Success in this role requires sound mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, commitment to safety, and the ability to identify and resolve routine production issues while maintaining compliance with company policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and all applicable food safety requirements.

Essential Functions

The Filler Machine Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of high-speed beverage filling equipment while producing products that meet Crystal Geyser Water Company's quality, food safety, and production standards. Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust high-speed filling, capping, conveying, labeling, coding, and packaging equipment to maintain safe, continuous, and efficient production.
• Perform equipment start-up, shutdown, sanitation verification, product changeovers, and line clearance activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor production throughout the shift by verifying fill levels, Brix readings, cap application, cap torque, bottle appearance, label placement, date coding, package integrity, and overall product quality.
• Perform routine quality inspections and immediately identify, isolate, and report products that do not meet established specifications.
• Complete all required production records, quality documentation, downtime reports, sanitation checks, and electronic system entries accurately and timely.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance including lubrication, valve replacement, filler adjustments, gasket inspections, routine cleaning, and approved mechanical troubleshooting while promptly communicating larger maintenance concerns.
• Work closely with Batch Operators during product transitions to ensure proper product flow, formula integrity, and efficient production changeovers.
• Monitor machine performance throughout production, identify potential issues before they impact operations, safely clear routine jams, and make approved operational adjustments to minimize downtime and maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Maintain compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP requirements, sanitation procedures, allergen controls (when applicable), glass and brittle plastic procedures, and all food safety standards.
• Follow all company safety policies including Lockout/Tagout awareness, machine guarding requirements, proper PPE usage, safe lifting practices, and exercise Stop Work Authority whenever unsafe conditions exist.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready work area by practicing good housekeeping and supporting 5S and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and Sanitation departments to resolve operational issues, improve efficiencies, and consistently achieve production, quality, and safety objectives.
• Cross-train on other production equipment and assist in training new operators while promoting a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and company objectives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful performance in this position requires the following:

Knowledge of:

• Automated manufacturing and beverage production processes.
• Mechanical equipment and basic troubleshooting techniques.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety principles, and quality standards.
• Production documentation and basic computer applications.

Skill in:

• Operating and adjusting automated production equipment.
• Identifying and resolving routine equipment issues.
• Maintaining attention to detail while working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Communicating effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Prioritizing work while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Ability to:

• Read, understand, and follow written procedures, work instructions, and SOPs.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations and accurately complete production documentation.
• Work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Adapt to changing production priorities and schedules.
• Demonstrate accountability, reliability, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Maintain focus while working safely around moving machinery and production equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of Filling, manufacturing, production, or machine operator experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and alternate shifts as business needs require.

Preferred

• Beverage, food, or bottling manufacturing experience.
• Experience operating automated filling or packaging equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience working in a GMP or food manufacturing environment.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a Cannery License for tea production, if required.

Physical & Work Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and industrial conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb ladders as required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and on-call support as needed.
• Must be able to safely work around energized equipment following proper safety procedures.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The work requires over 90% of the time to be standing, walking, and/or bending. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and taste or smell. The employee is required to lift 50 pounds with the ability to lift over 50 pounds by sharing the load with another person.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet, hot, and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts and hot liquids, equipment and materials. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.