Fair State Brewing Cooperative is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Packaging Lead to join our production team in St. Paul, MN.

A little about us

Fair State is one of a very few cooperatively-owned breweries in the US. We were also the first microbrewery in the United States to become unionized. We began operations at our brewery/taproom in Northeast Minneapolis in August of 2014 and expanded into a 40,000 sq. ft. production brewery in St. Paul in 2017. In addition to a growing stable of core brand beers, hemp-derived THC beverages have opened a new market for our brewery and increased demand of contract production.

Currently we operate a 7.5bbl brewhouse at our taproom location in Minneapolis. At our St. Paul Production Facility, we operate a 4-vessel 30bbl brewhouse. This is also the home of the Packaging Team and is where we package our beer in cans and bottles.

A little about you

We’re looking for a dedicated, hardworking, and knowledgeable person to help us stay on track. The ideal candidate would have experience in the beer or beverage industry packaging.

Packaging Lead at Fair State is a union position. Membership in the labor union is required. Monthly dues are the responsibility of the employee. The position is also on a rotating shift: 6 am–2 pm, 9 am–5 pm, and 2 pm–10 pm. The shifts can vary based on workload.

Packaging Leads report to the Production Supervisor.

Tasks & Responsibilities

For members of the Packaging Team, the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Operating the canning line, weighing, and sorting cans, casing and palletizing finished product

Operating the bottling line, labeling, casing, and palletizing finished product

Collecting data and maintaining records related to packaging and inventory

Performing required cleaning of canning, bottling, and kegging equipment, along with general cleaning and sanitation of the brewery.

Cleaning and filling kegs

Operating forklifts and pallet jacks

Contributing to a safe working environment by following safety procedures

Desired skills and experience

Previous brewery industry or other packaging experience

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Willingness to work hard, often at odd hours

Dedication to learning, improving, and contributing to a dynamic and growing team

Commitment to following company policies and procedures

Ridiculous dedication to maintaining a clean and organized work environment

Comfortable with limited supervision and able to make informed decisions independently

Arithmetic, problem-solving, and mechanical skills

High school diploma or GED

Requirements

Able to stand for prolonged periods

Able to stoop, crawl, twist, turn, lift, kneel, climb ladders and stairs

Able to work in a factory environment which may be loud, hot, humid, cold, or slick

Able to manipulate valves and clamps

Able to read and follow written English instructions

Able to regularly lift/carry heavy objects (55 lbs) repeatedly and safely

Able to occasionally move heavy objects (160 lbs)

Able to comply with safe chemical handling procedures, including personal protection equipment such as gloves and goggles

Able to safely work on ladders and elevated platforms and in confined spaces

Able to safely operate vehicles and material handling equipment (e.g., vans, trucks, hand trucks, scissor lifts)

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, hourly position compensated at $22 per hour. As a full-time employee, this role is also eligible for:

8 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day)

Paid Time Off, which can be used for any purpose and is accrued at a rate of 0.0769 hours of PTO per hour worked (4 weeks per year)

Paid parental leave (160 hours of paid parental leave in the 12 months following, or the 9 months prior to, the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child in you home)

Health insurance for employee, spouse / domestic partner, and dependents, with a portion of premiums paid by Fair State

Dental and vision insurance, with 50% of employee and dependent premiums paid by Fair State

Short- and Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and life insurance coverage, with 100% of premiums paid by Fair State

Flexible savings account for medical and dependent care

Simple IRA with employer-matching up to 3% (eligible in 2023)

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted membership in our cooperative (after 6 months)

Credit for Fair State clothing merchandise at hire

Annual safety clothing & equipment stipend

Employee beer stipend

Fair State merchandise and beer discounts

Application Process

To apply, email a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. We’re looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact [email protected] to discuss your application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fair State Brewing Cooperative strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.