Packaging Operator I
Company
Half Acre Beer Company
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
27 days ago
Via
via BeBee
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Job Description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Packaging Department at Half Acre Beer Company works 4, 10-hour days per week, typically Monday-Thursday (with an occasional 5x8 hour Monday-Friday schedule) and is on the lookout for motivated individuals to join the team.
Packaging is a crucial step in the beer making process. A properly packaged can or keg means that people will enjoy our beer the way we intended. You will be working on our canning and kegging lines. It is a very hands-on, physical job with the entirety of the shift standing.
Packaging requires excellent communication and attention to detail, along with a teamwork mindset. Packaging I is an entry-level packaging position and a great opportunity to gain experience in the Packaging Department. This position reports to the Packaging Manager.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Unloading and stacking finished cases which involves lifting, twisting, and carrying
• Loading packaging materials into packaging equipment (e.g. cans, lids, trays, cartons, PakTechs)
• Washing, filling, and banding kegs
• Assisting with the operation and maintenance of packaging equipment
• Clearing any conveyance jams during packaging runs
• Setting up workstations before each run
• Cleaning up workstations during and after each run
• Assisting with changeovers on the canning line
• Operation of electric pallet jack and forklift (certification and training provided)
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Must be 21+ years old
• First, have a constant commitment to safety and quality
• Be a conscientious person, keeping in mind the needs of others as well as your own
• Holds oneself accountable for being present and advancing tasks
• Ability to work harmoniously with teammates to get things done
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Be detail-oriented and thorough in all you do
• Be able to handle slow repetitive tasks as well as physically intense, fast-paced work
• Ability to work full shifts in a sometimes hot, humid environment
BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE:
• Past packaging or manufacturing work preferred but not necessary
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to lift, carry, stack, and move 25 lb. can cases, and manipulate 60 and 165 lb. kegs
• Must be able to handle repetitive motion tasks, including lifting, carrying, stacking, bending, stooping, reaching
• Must be able to stand for most of the shift, except for meals and/or break periods
The Packaging Department at Half Acre Beer Company works 4, 10-hour days per week, typically Monday-Thursday (with an occasional 5x8 hour Monday-Friday schedule) and is on the lookout for motivated individuals to join the team.
Packaging is a crucial step in the beer making process. A properly packaged can or keg means that people will enjoy our beer the way we intended. You will be working on our canning and kegging lines. It is a very hands-on, physical job with the entirety of the shift standing.
Packaging requires excellent communication and attention to detail, along with a teamwork mindset. Packaging I is an entry-level packaging position and a great opportunity to gain experience in the Packaging Department. This position reports to the Packaging Manager.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Unloading and stacking finished cases which involves lifting, twisting, and carrying
• Loading packaging materials into packaging equipment (e.g. cans, lids, trays, cartons, PakTechs)
• Washing, filling, and banding kegs
• Assisting with the operation and maintenance of packaging equipment
• Clearing any conveyance jams during packaging runs
• Setting up workstations before each run
• Cleaning up workstations during and after each run
• Assisting with changeovers on the canning line
• Operation of electric pallet jack and forklift (certification and training provided)
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Must be 21+ years old
• First, have a constant commitment to safety and quality
• Be a conscientious person, keeping in mind the needs of others as well as your own
• Holds oneself accountable for being present and advancing tasks
• Ability to work harmoniously with teammates to get things done
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Be detail-oriented and thorough in all you do
• Be able to handle slow repetitive tasks as well as physically intense, fast-paced work
• Ability to work full shifts in a sometimes hot, humid environment
BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE:
• Past packaging or manufacturing work preferred but not necessary
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to lift, carry, stack, and move 25 lb. can cases, and manipulate 60 and 165 lb. kegs
• Must be able to handle repetitive motion tasks, including lifting, carrying, stacking, bending, stooping, reaching
• Must be able to stand for most of the shift, except for meals and/or break periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Packing Jobs
What is the minimum wage for Packing Jobs in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the minimum wage for packing jobs in the United States is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. Non-exempt packing workers must receive overtime compensation at 1.5 times their regular rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.
What are the required working hours, overtime rules, and leave benefits for packing jobs in the United States?
The Fair Labor Standards Act mandates a 40-hour workweek for packing jobs, with mandatory overtime pay after 40 hours as of 2026. Eligible employees receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act after completing 12 months of service with their employer.
What tax withholdings apply to packing job wages in the United States?
Packing job employees must have 6.2 percent Social Security tax and 1.45 percent Medicare tax withheld from wages under FICA as of 2026. Employers also withhold federal income tax based on IRS Publication 15 tables, with an additional 0.9 percent Medicare surtax applying to wages over $200,000 for single filers.
What visa or work permit requirements apply to non-citizens seeking packing jobs in the United States?
Non-citizens must obtain employment authorization through USCIS before starting packing jobs, typically via H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visas with a 2026 annual cap of 66,000. Employers must file Form I-129 and demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available.
