Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Industrial Helper

🎯 Role Definition

An Industrial Helper is a foundational member of our operational team, providing essential support across the production floor, warehouse, and shipping areas. This role encompasses a diverse range of hands-on tasks, from the physical movement of raw materials and finished goods to assisting skilled technicians and machine operators. The successful candidate will be a key player in ensuring the seamless flow of our daily workflow, championing a culture of safety and quality, and playing a direct part in achieving our production targets. This position serves as a fantastic entry point for dedicated individuals looking to develop valuable skills and forge a long-term career in a thriving industrial environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Labor or Construction
Retail or Warehouse Stocking
Food Service or Hospitality

Advancement To:

Machine Operator
Forklift Operator or Material Handler
Production Team Lead or Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently load and unload materials, supplies, and finished products from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring proper weight distribution and security of goods.
Transport raw materials, in-process components, and finished goods to designated workstations and storage areas using pallet jacks, dollies, and other material handling equipment.
Assist machine operators with setting up equipment, feeding materials into machinery, and off-bearing finished parts, contributing to a continuous production flow.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by sweeping floors, removing debris, and properly disposing of scrap, recyclable materials, and waste.
Perform basic assembly or disassembly of products and components using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and pneumatic equipment according to work orders.
Carefully pack, wrap, label, and palletize finished goods according to customer specifications and shipping requirements to prevent damage during transit.
Act as a spotter or "fire watch" for welders and other skilled trades, ensuring a safe perimeter and immediate response to any potential hazards.
Conduct basic quality control checks on products, inspecting for defects, measuring dimensions, and verifying compliance with established standards.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
Retrieve tools, parts, and supplies for mechanics, electricians, and other maintenance personnel to minimize equipment downtime.
Operate and monitor basic production machinery under supervision, reporting any malfunctions or operational issues to the team lead immediately.
Organize and stack raw materials, such as lumber, pipe, or metal stock, in the yard or warehouse for easy access and inventory management.
Assist in the crating and securing of large or awkwardly shaped equipment for domestic or international shipment.
Follow detailed verbal and written instructions from supervisors and senior operators to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
Grind, sand, or deburr metal parts to remove sharp edges and prepare surfaces for painting or further processing.
Monitor inventory levels of common supplies like fasteners, adhesives, and packing materials, and report shortages to the supervisor.
Clean and perform minor maintenance on tools and equipment to ensure they remain in good working order and are safe to use.
Accurately document completed work, material usage, and production numbers on daily logs or digital tracking systems.
Sort and segregate materials for processing, ensuring the correct items are delivered to the appropriate production line.
Support facility maintenance tasks, which may include light painting, minor repairs, and general upkeep of the building and grounds.
Participate actively in daily pre-shift meetings and safety huddles, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and open communication.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine preventative maintenance checks on equipment, such as cleaning and lubricating moving parts.
Assist in periodic physical inventory counts and cycle counts to ensure the accuracy of stock levels within the ERP system.
Maintain detailed logs and records of materials moved, tasks completed, and production data as required for operational tracking.
Participate in process improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions from a hands-on perspective.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation, including manual and electric pallet jacks, dollies, and hand trucks.
Proficient use of basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers) and power tools (drills, grinders, saws).
Ability to read and accurately interpret work orders, safety data sheets (SDS), and basic instructional guides.
Strong understanding and consistent application of workplace safety protocols, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage and hazard identification.
Physical strength and stamina with the proven ability to repeatedly lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Basic measurement and mathematical skills for counting, sorting, and verifying quantities and dimensions.
Experience with industrial packing, crating, banding, and preparing items for safe and secure shipment.
Forklift Operator Certification is highly preferred and a significant asset.
Foundational knowledge of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety procedures.
Ability to operate basic machinery and equipment under direct supervision.
Basic computer literacy for timekeeping systems and data entry tasks.

Soft Skills

Strong work ethic, punctuality, and a high degree of reliability.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully.
High attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
Adaptability and flexibility to handle shifting priorities and a fast-paced environment.
Proactive and conscientious approach to workplace safety and cleanliness.
A problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn new tasks and skills.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical certificate in a related field such as Manufacturing Technology or Welding.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Trades
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years

Preferred: Previous experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, construction, or similar industrial environment is a plus but not required. We are willing to train motivated candidates with a strong desire to learn and grow.