Plant Laborer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Plant Laborer, you are the backbone of our manufacturing facility. Your primary objective is to perform a variety of manual and machine-assisted tasks to support the production, packaging, and shipment of our products. This role requires a high degree of physical fitness, a strong commitment to safety protocols, and the ability to work effectively within a team. You will be instrumental in maintaining the flow of materials, ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the workspace, and contributing directly to our operational success and product quality.

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📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

• General Laborer
• Warehouse Associate
• Construction Worker

Advancement To:

• Senior Machine Operator
• Production Team Lead / Supervisor
• Quality Control Inspector
• Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

• Forklift Operator
• Shipping and Receiving Clerk

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Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

• Operate production machinery and heavy equipment, such as forklifts, mixers, and conveyor systems, according to established safety protocols and operational guidelines.
• Perform general housekeeping and cleaning duties to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment in compliance with 5S principles.
• Load and unload materials, raw ingredients, and finished products from trucks, shipping containers, and production lines, both manually and using material handling equipment.
• Monitor equipment and production processes to identify any malfunctions, defects, or deviations from quality standards, reporting issues to supervisors immediately.
• Accurately package, label, and palletize finished goods for storage or shipment, ensuring all information matches production orders.
• Conduct basic quality control checks on products at various stages of production to ensure they meet company specifications and industry standards.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Assist skilled trade workers, such as maintenance technicians and machine operators, with repairs, setup, and changeovers of equipment.
• Handle and transport raw materials and components to the appropriate workstations or production lines to ensure a continuous workflow.
• Complete production and activity logs, accurately documenting output, downtime, and material usage for inventory and performance tracking.
• Perform manual labor tasks including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a consistent basis.
• Sort, stack, and organize materials and finished products in designated storage areas within the warehouse or plant.
• Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, and basic instructions to determine job specifications and material requirements.
• Utilize hand tools and power tools to perform assembly, finishing, or minor repair tasks as directed by the shift supervisor.
• Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant productivity and safety.
• Operate balers, compactors, and other waste management equipment to handle scrap and recyclable materials responsibly.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on machinery, such as lubrication, cleaning, and inspection of moving parts.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when working on or near machinery that is undergoing maintenance or repair.
• Measure and weigh raw materials and ingredients to ensure precise formulaic compositions for batch production.
• Support inventory management by assisting with cycle counts and physical inventory reconciliation.

Secondary Functions

• Assist with periodic inventory counts and report discrepancies to the warehouse manager.
• Participate in safety committee meetings and contribute to the development of safer work practices.
• Help train new laborers on basic operational procedures, safety protocols, and company policies.
• Support minor maintenance tasks and assist maintenance technicians with preventative maintenance schedules.

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Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

• Machine Operation: Ability to safely operate and monitor various types of production machinery.
• Material Handling: Proficiency in using pallet jacks, dollies, and other equipment to move materials.
• Forklift Operation: Certification or the ability to become certified to operate a forklift is a strong plus.
• Hand/Power Tool Usage: Competence in using basic tools for assembly, adjustments, and minor repairs.
• Basic Mathematics: Skill in performing simple calculations, measurements, and counts accurately.
• Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, including OSHA standards and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).

Soft Skills

• Strong Work Ethic: Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to completing tasks efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks to ensure quality and accuracy, especially in packaging and quality checks.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, perform repetitive tasks, and lift heavy objects as required.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others, communicates effectively, and contributes to a positive team environment.
• Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between different tasks and responsibilities as production needs change.

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Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

• Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

• Manufacturing Technology
• Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a related environment.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing, production, construction, or warehouse setting is highly desirable. Experience working in an environment with a strong safety culture is a significant asset.