Canning and bottling line operator

Description

Canning and bottling line operators observe bottles and cans passing by during the production process. They stand next to conveyors belts to ensure that bottles are filled to standard levels that there are no major deviations. They discard defective bottles or cans.

It excludes the handling of fish cans.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to canning and bottling line operator:

canning and bottling operative
canning operative
canning and bottling worker
canner

Minimum qualifications

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a canning and bottling line operator.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Canning and bottling line operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

Canning and bottling line operator career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to canning and bottling line operator.

blender operator
packaging and filling machine operator
carbonation operator
kettle tender
cocoa mill operator

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of canning and bottling line operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of canning and bottling line operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

green coffee coordinator
animal feed supervisor
water treatment systems operator
food safety inspector
dairy processing technician

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of canning and bottling line operator.

  • Carbonation techniques: The process of dissolving carbon dioxide in a liquid, usually under high pressure, the variety of carbonation techniques such as bottle conditioning (priming), spunding, krausening, and force carbonating. Use those techniques according to production requirements and level of carbonation demanded.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of canning and bottling line operator.

  • Tend packaging machines: Tend packaging machines such as filling, labelling, and sealing machines. Stock and sort products to be processed according to specifications. Replenish packaging supplies as required, such as boxes, cartons, wrapping paper, plastic sheet, glue, ink, or labels.
  • Operate automated process control: Operate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.
  • Tend canning machine: Tend canning machine powered by electricity or batteries in order to can various types of food.
  • Assist bottling: Prepare wine for bottling. Assist with bottling and corking.
  • Operate forklift: Operate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.
  • Handle chemicals for clean in place: Manage suitable quantities and types of cleaning chemicals (CIP) needed in the process of food and beverage production.
  • Clean food and beverage machinery: Clean machinery used for food or beverage production processes. Prepare the appropriate solutions for cleaning. Prepare all parts and assure that they are clean enough to avoid deviation or errors in the production process.
  • Apply HACCP: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
  • Check quality of products on the production line: Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
  • Apply numeracy skills: Practise reasoning and apply simple or complex numerical concepts and calculations.
  • Check bottles for packaging: Check bottles for packaging. Apply bottle testing procedures to verify if the bottle is fit for containing food and beverage products. Follow legal or company specifications for bottling.
  • Work in conveyor belts in food manufacturing: Work in rotating conveyor belt systems in food manufacturing.
  • Follow hygienic procedures during food processing: Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.
  • Detect flaws in bottles: Detect possible flaws in bottles and take decisions about the bottles and the lot being produced, and reject bottles that do not suit the production.
  • Apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beverages: Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
  • Apply GMP: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Carry out checks of production plant equipment: Carry out checks of the machinery and equipment used in the production plant. Ensure that the machinery is working properly, set machines before usage, and assure continuous operability of the equipment.
  • Dispose non-food waste within the food industry: Dispose non-food waste within the food industry applying environmentally accepted procedures to dispose it.
  • Measure precise food processing operations: Carry out accurately measured assignments with suitable tools and equipment in the process of producing food and beverages.
  • Exert quality control to processing food: Ensure the quality of all factors involved in a food production process.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of canning and bottling line operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of canning and bottling line operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

ISCO group and title

8183 – Packing, bottling and labelling machine operators


References
  1. Canning and bottling line operator – ESCO
Last updated on August 17, 2022

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