Dunnage Operator

Job Description

Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Dunnage

REPORTS TO: Plant Manager

SUMMARY:  The Dunnage Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient processing of customer materials and dunnage through industrial cleaning and production equipment. This role supports operational excellence by ensuring products are processed according to quality standards, production schedules, and customer requirements. The Dunnage Operator monitors material condition, identifies abnormalities, performs basic equipment maintenance, and maintains accurate production records within the company's ERP system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate dunnage washing and production equipment in accordance with established company procedures and safety standards.
• Process customer materials while ensuring quality, cleanliness, and production requirements are met.
• Complete production, inventory, and shipment transactions within the Plex ERP system.
• Inspect machinery prior to operation to verify proper setup, alignment, and safe working condition.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and routine preventative maintenance.
• Monitor material condition throughout processing and report abnormalities, equipment issues, or quality concerns to supervisors.
• Maintain required production levels while ensuring compliance with established specifications and tolerances.
• Safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment as authorized.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Follow OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements at all times.
• Assist with additional production and operational duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), and previous related manufacturing, production, warehouse, industrial, or machine operation experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to safely operate or learn to operate forklifts and production equipment.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn ERP systems such as Plex.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to identify and report equipment or material issues.
• Understanding of workplace safety principles.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and production records.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Consistently comply with OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
• Maintain an organized and hazard-free work area.
• Complete machine inspections and basic maintenance tasks as required.
• Meet daily production goals without sacrificing quality.
• Accurately document production activities within Plex.
• Promptly communicate issues affecting quality, safety, or productivity.
• Contribute positively to team performance and operational goals.

WORK HOURS & LOCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires full-time, on-site presence at our Ypsilanti, MI facility. 
• The standard schedule is Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequent use of hands for handling materials, tools, and equipment.
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, and repetitive motion.
• Ability to work safely in loud, high-vibration environments.
• Ability to maintain focus and productivity throughout repetitive production activities.