Bottling Sanitation & Line Operator (Temp Conversion or rehire only)

Description

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 with a simple idea from our founder, Jeff O’Neill, that great wines should be enjoyed by all. We believe those wines must be of exceptional quality, centered around our core belief that doing the right thing for our employees, consumers, partners, and the planet is key to a sustainable future. As our family-owned business has grown, so has our belief in business as a force for good. We are proud to be an industry leader in sustainability and a Certified B Corporation.

We are one of California's largest wineries, with operations in Larkspur, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Parlier, CA. Our award-winning portfolio of consumer brands includes Line 39, FitVine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Robert Hall, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate, Substance, ViNO, 209 Gin, and BrandyLab.

The Bottling Sanitation/Line Operator is responsible for both operating bottling line equipment and carrying out sanitation duties within the bottling department. This role ensures equipment centers are operating safely and efficiently while meeting all sanitation, food safety, and quality standards. The operator will support daily bottling production, execute sanitation processes in accordance with the Master Sanitation Schedule, and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Sanitation Responsibilities

• Perform daily CIP (Clean-in-Place) processes on fillers and sanitation of bottling equipment centers before production startups.
• Operate sanitation equipment, including Monobloc, sanitation skids, hot water, DI water systems, and Innotec/Filler sanitation programs.
• Follow sanitation SOPs and accurately complete required documentation in real time.
• Track sanitation data, water usage, and validate Master Sanitation Schedule sign-offs.
• Conduct weekly audits to ensure sanitation compliance and schedule completion.
• Maintain sanitation equipment, storage areas, and inventories.
• Assist in developing or updating sanitation SOPs when needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Cellar and Laboratory teams to confirm tanks and wine specifications.
• Train others on sanitation and bottling equipment setup and documentation procedures.
• Communicate effectively with bottling supervisors and pass down information to production teams.

Bottling Line Operations Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain bottling line equipment, including case packers, unloaders, and related machinery.
• Ensure correct dry goods and materials are used according to the spec sheets.
• Perform pre-operation checks, start-up, and shutdown of equipment.
• Make minor adjustments to machine center parts (e.g., fingers, brushes, sensors, rails).
• Monitor product flow, equipment efficiency, and product quality; perform test runs as needed.
• Record daily production notes, including totals, defects, and adjustments.
• Communicate with team members and support teams to maintain smooth and efficient production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues; escalate more complex problems to leads or maintenance.
• Assist with the rework of bottles and perform general labor as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping and organization in assigned work areas.
• Be a Sustainability Champion: In this role, you’ll actively contribute to our mission to make the world a better place—every action, big or small, helps us achieve our sustainability goals and strengthens our commitment as a B Corp.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

To fulfill this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must have completed a minimum of 720 hours through a temporary agency at O'Neill's Parlier Location or been a previous FTE member of O'Neill's sanitation team.
• 1–3 years’ experience as a machine operator; bottling or food/beverage industry experience preferred.
• 2–3 years’ work experience in the wine industry or bulk production strongly preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic troubleshooting and mechanical adjustment skills.
• Computer skills: Intermediate MS Word, Excel, Outlook; Vintners Advantage experience a plus.
• Ability to work semi-autonomously and think creatively to solve problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must display reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and varying shifts as business needs require.
• Forklift experience a plus.
• Must understand and comply with BRC, GMP, HACCP, CCP, and OSHA/CALOSHA safety procedures.
• Knowledge of food safety programs (FSMA, BRC, HACCP) strongly preferred.

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS:

O’Neill team members are Forward Thinkers. Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers who work as One Team to Always Deliver.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Required to talk, hear, and use hands to operate machinery.
• Willingness to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is primarily performed indoors and outdoors in a production environment.
• Noise levels may be moderate to high.
• May be exposed to wet conditions from sanitation processes; proper footwear is required.

California Pay Transparency Notice: This position is classified as non-exempt. The base compensation range for this role is $17.25-18.00/hour. Candidates are generally not hired at or near the maximum of the base compensation range. Final salary placement will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, education, relevant experience, and alignment with current market data. 

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to our full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) with a company match; Paid Time Off; holidays; and more.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, discipline, and discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

All employees must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify. 

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider or agree to any payment of referral compensation or a recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.