Canner Operator

During the canning season, canners live on the road. During summer, canners are based in Akron, PA (pop. 3,500). Akron is a small town in Lancaster County, Pa., about 10 miles from Lancaster City (pop. 55,000). Lancaster County is ethnically diverse, with significant numbers of recent immigrants. In 2010 the Akron Elementary School next door to the MCC office reports students newly arrived from 10 countries speaking multiple languages. Lancaster County is home to large Mennonite, Amish and Brethren in Christ communities characterized by theological as well as racial/ethnic and cultural diversity in addition to many other church traditions. Millersville University, Franklin and Marshall College, and Elizabethtown College (founded by Church of the Brethren) are located in Lancaster County. There are a number of smaller private, Bible and community colleges. Approximately 100 MCC and MCC U.S. staff work in Akron with another 10 workers three miles away in the MCC East Coast Ephrata Office. The Akron office is an open office environment, featuring dividers between departments rather than walls. 

Term Length: 2 Years

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

1. Commitment to Christ and the work of the church

2. Single Male (living with three other men who are part of the canning team)

3. Ability to work alongside others as a team

4. Adaptable to new places and people

5. Capable of repeatedly lifting 75 pounds

6. Ability to relate to volunteer groups and appreciate the various diversities. Canner Operators will use skills of discretion, judgment and creative ability to communicate with all MCC volunteers.

7. Good mechanical aptitude

8. Ability to work with U.S.D.A. inspectors

9. Class 3 or Commercial Drivers License (CDL) preferred, eligibility to apply for CDL during first year of service required

For U.S. candidates, invitations to serve with MCC are contingent on the successful outcome of criminal background check(s).

Job Synopsis(Versión en español Incluida) 

Each year since 1946, MCC has sent out a mobile meat canner, which MCC workers and volunteers use to preserve hundreds of thousands of cans of meat for communities in need across the globe. Canner operators travel with the meat canner to 34 different locations across the US and Canada, canning beef, turkey, and pork, Canners are responsible for all aspects of the project including: operating steam and pressure vessels, coordinating volunteers, maintaining and communicating USDA regulations, and the maintenance of all machinery in the canning process. Lifelong relationships are forged, opening new doors for life after canning. 

MCC prefers to place 2 Canners per year. The Canning Team is comprised of four individuals, typically 2 in their first year and 2 in their second. 

Due to the travel demands for Canners, MCC requires that Canners be single. 

Canner operators work 8 -12 hour days from October through April including Saturdays. Canners are compensated for long working hours during the canning season by getting extra vacation time. Summers are spent in Akron with regular working hours. This may include working for the maintenance department or as drivers and materials handlers at warehouse facilities. MCC will arrange for each canner to attend a U.S.D.A. approved canning course and to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). 

During the off season the canner will be a part of Akron Connection Service Program, a service unit connected to MCC’s offices in Akron & Ephrata Pa. In recent years the unit is typically between 10-15 adults, ages 20-70, and may include families with children. Married couples and families live in MCC apartments while singles share a coed Unit House that is also our gathering place. Some of the group activities include 2 annual retreats, monthly outings, bi-weekly Bible studies and impromptu gatherings.

1. Drive to, set up and operate canner at 34 locations in 13 states, plus Ontario and Manitoba. 

2. Operate canning equipment 

a. Steam boiler 

b. Steam cookers 

c. Steam-jacketed kettles 

d. Sealer 

3. Supervise and coordinate volunteers working on-site during canning operations. 

4. Relate with the canning committees and local volunteers promoting MCC. 

5. Maintain and service canner to be ready for the next canning season. 

6. Other duties during summer include working for maintenance department, warehouse work in the material resource center, and trips to airports. 

7. Should be willing to speak to MCC supporters. 

8. Applying and testing for a CDL. 

Challenges: Physically demanding work

This position is a service worker position. MCC pays for travel to and from assignment, and provides complete living expenses for service workers plus a small monthly stipend. 

Benefits include full medical, dental & vision insurance, 3 weeks vacation per year, life insurance and a resettlement allowance post-assignment