Line Cleaner

Company Overview

Kristen Distributing Company is a local, family-owned beverage distribution company based in the Bryan/College Station area, with a rich history dating back to 1930 when it was founded in Bellville, Texas. Our mission at Kristen Distributing Company is to uphold the highest standards by providing exceptional beverages that align with the manufacturer's marketing concepts. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages personal independence, offers abundant opportunities, and prioritizes the development that enhances the strengths and dignity of our employees and customers.

Position Overview

The Draft Technician is responsible for the quality of every draft beer KDC sells. Working a route of bar, restaurant, and retail accounts across the territory, this position cleans and sanitizes draft lines on a recurring schedule, services and repairs draft components, troubleshoots pour and quality issues, and verifies that every system is clean and safe before it goes back into service. The final pour at an account is a direct reflection of this work — what the customer tastes is what the brewer intended, or it isn't.

This role works independently in the field with limited daily supervision and is highly visible to our accounts. In addition to technical work, the Draft Technician represents KDC and our supplier brands with every account visit and serves as an important line of communication back to the sales team. This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for business travel between accounts; mileage is reimbursed through KDC's company reimbursement program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Line Cleaning & Sanitation

• Clean and sanitize draft beer lines on a recurring schedule (typically every two weeks), circulating cleaning solution through the system in line with KDC's established draft-quality standards, and performing periodic acid (“de-stone”) cleaning to keep lines in top condition.
• Disassemble, hand-clean, service, and reassemble faucets, keg couplers/tapping devices, and FOB-stop devices (foam detectors), replacing worn washers, seals, and O-rings so every component pours clean.
• Flush every line thoroughly after cleaning and confirm with pH test strips that no cleaning chemical remains before the system goes back into service.
• Draw beer until it runs clear and the pour looks and tastes exactly as the brewer intended, keeping at least one tap in service for the account whenever possible so they never stop pouring.

System Inspection & Troubleshooting

• Inspect and troubleshoot draft systems — checking pour temperature, gas pressure and blend, system balance, and product freshness — and diagnose common issues such as foaming, flat pours, or off-flavors. Assist with tap and equipment installation, and escalate larger repairs as needed.

Documentation & Account Service

• Complete a KDC Draft Beer Service Receipt for every visit — recording lines cleaned, product used, pH-test completion, and any notes — then review the work with the account, obtain the customer's signature, and leave them a copy.
• Follow the account service schedule and route assignments set by the Sales Manager, respond to draft service calls promptly (same day whenever possible), and pitch in on special events.

Keg Handling & Product Returns

• Move, tap, and rotate kegs of various sizes (up to full-size half-barrels of roughly 160–165 lbs), and pick up out-of-code or bad kegs to return to the warehouse with the proper paperwork.

Customer Relationships & Brand Representation

• Be the face of KDC in the field — build genuine relationships with bar and restaurant staff, represent our supplier brands with pride, and pass along account needs, new opportunities, and any new or lost accounts to the sales team.

Safety & Compliance

• Handle all cleaning chemicals safely in accordance with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements and required PPE (gloves and eye protection), always adding chemical to water — never the reverse.
• Keep your vehicle clean, organized, and fully stocked, and maintain compliance with all company policies and applicable alcohol-industry regulations (TABC).
• Take on other related duties as needed to support the team.

Benefits

• Compensation: $40,000–$45,000 per year, depending on experience. This is a salaried, non-exempt position eligible for overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
• Schedule: Monday through Friday with an 8:00 AM start and a variable end time; shifts generally run 8–12 hours depending on the time of year. Saturday work may also be required depending on the time of year.
• Mileage Reimbursement: This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for business use. Mileage is reimbursed through KDC's company mileage reimbursement program.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with KDC contributing a substantial share of the employee-only premium.
• Life Insurance: $30,000 company-paid policy at no cost to the employee, with supplemental coverage available.
• Additional Coverage: Voluntary short-term and long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• 401(k): Eligible after three months of service; company match of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions, with traditional and Roth options.
• Paid Time Off: Five days after six months of service, ten days annually at one to four years, and fifteen days annually after five years, with up to five days carryover.
• Paid Holidays: Eight paid holidays per year with no waiting period.
• Uniforms: Three uniforms provided at hire, plus discounts on work boots.
• Other: Employee Assistance Program including access to our on-staff counselor, discounted gym membership, bi-weekly pay, and direct deposit.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Texas driver's license and a driving record that meets company and insurance standards.
• Reliable personal vehicle available for daily business use, with current auto insurance that meets company requirements.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with hand tools, fittings, hoses, and pressurized gas systems.
• Ability to work independently in the field, manage a daily route, and make sound decisions without direct supervision.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly with sanitation steps, pH verification, and service documentation.
• Professional, dependable, and customer-focused demeanor when working in accounts during and around business hours.
• Willingness to handle cleaning chemicals safely and consistently wear required PPE.
• Availability for an 8:00 AM start with a variable end time, and for Saturday work as business needs require.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Preferred

• Prior draft beer line cleaning, draft system service, or beverage industry experience.
• Draft-quality or beer knowledge credentials (for example, Cicerone Certified Beer Server or a draft-system training program).
• Plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, or general maintenance background.
• Familiarity with handheld or tablet-based service documentation.