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

A little about us

Fair State is one of 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, MN in 2017. In addition to a growing stable of core brand beers, the recent passage of the law allowing for the sale of hemp-derived THC edible products has opened a new market for our brewery. The increasing demand of contract production for THC seltzers and other beverages has created the need to expand our packaging team.

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 some experience in the beer industry, packaging experience preferably, or in warehousing/manufacturing generally, and be willing to learn.

About the Job

Packaging Technician at Fair State is a union position. Membership in the labor union is required. Monthly dues are the responsibility of the employee. Packaging Technicians report to the Packaging Manager.

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 & inventory
• Performing required cleaning of canning, bottling, and kegging equipment, along with general cleaning & 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 preferred, but not required
• 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 $19 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 ASAP.

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.