Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Industrial

🎯 Role Definition

As a General Industrial Professional, you are a vital contributor to our facility's success. You will be responsible for a wide range of hands-on tasks within a dynamic manufacturing, production, or warehouse environment. This position involves operating machinery, assembling products, handling materials, and ensuring that all processes adhere to strict quality and safety standards. Success in this role requires physical stamina, meticulous attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to support the team in meeting daily and weekly production targets. You are the essential force that transforms raw materials into finished goods, directly impacting our ability to deliver for our customers.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate or GED Holder
Retail or Food Service Associate
Entry-level General Laborer

Advancement To:

Machine Operator Specialist
Shift Lead or Production Supervisor
Quality Control (QC) Inspector
Forklift Operator / Material Handling Lead

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Inventory Control Assistant
Maintenance Technician Apprentice

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate production line equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner to meet production schedules and quality targets.
Perform detailed assembly of components and sub-assemblies according to blueprints, diagrams, and written work instructions.
Conduct regular in-process quality inspections, checking for defects and ensuring all products meet established company and customer specifications.
Load, unload, and transport materials, supplies, and finished products manually or by using basic material handling equipment like pallet jacks and hand trucks.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by actively participating in housekeeping duties, removing debris, and storing tools and materials properly.
Strictly adhere to all company safety protocols, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Accurately package, label, and palletize finished goods for storage or shipment, ensuring all documentation is correct and legible.
Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, and other operational documents to determine daily tasks and material requirements.
Utilize a variety of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic tools to complete assembly, fabrication, and finishing tasks effectively.
Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or deviations, and report any issues promptly to the shift supervisor or maintenance department.
Perform basic machine setup, adjustments, and minor troubleshooting to maintain continuous operation and minimize downtime.
Keep precise records of production data, material usage, and scrap rates, entering information into logs or computer systems as required.
Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate workflow and resolve production-related challenges.
Assist in inventory management by helping with cycle counts and reporting any discrepancies in material stock levels.
Sort and inspect raw materials or components to ensure they meet quality standards before they enter the production process.
Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions meticulously to ensure consistency and repeatability in production.
Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives by providing suggestions for enhancing safety, quality, and productivity.
Prepare and stage raw materials and components at workstations to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted production flow for the team.
Handle and dispose of scrap, waste, and hazardous materials according to established environmental and safety guidelines.
Support the training and onboarding of new team members by demonstrating proper techniques and explaining safety procedures.
Move finished products from the production floor to designated storage or shipping areas, ensuring careful handling to prevent damage.

Secondary Functions

Assist with periodic physical inventory counts and reconciliation processes.
Provide general support to other departments, such as shipping or maintenance, during peak times or as directed.
Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions.
Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks on equipment, such as cleaning and lubrication, as assigned.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling: Proficient in using manual pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies to move materials safely.
Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the use of common hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers) and power tools (drills, grinders).
Basic Measurement: Ability to read a tape measure, ruler, and calipers to verify dimensions and specifications.
Reading Schematics: Competency in reading and interpreting basic work orders, production schedules, and assembly diagrams.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of fundamental safety procedures, including PPE usage and general hazard awareness.
Quality Inspection: Ability to visually inspect products for defects, blemishes, and deviations from quality standards.
Basic Math: Solid understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for production counting and record-keeping.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks to ensure high-quality output and accuracy.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others to achieve common production goals.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between different tasks and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and performing repetitive motions.
Verbal Communication: Clearly communicates issues, questions, and status updates to supervisors and team members.
Problem-Solving: Proactively identifies issues on the line and contributes to finding practical solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in manufacturing, welding, or a related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Technology
Manufacturing Processes
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, warehouse, or construction environment.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience working in a fast-paced industrial setting where adherence to safety rules and production quotas was required. Previous experience with specific machinery or assembly processes is a significant plus.