General Labor Trainer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: General Labor Trainer

Job Purpose and Position Overview: The General Labor Instructor is responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of the general labor team at Snow & Company. This role combines hands-on shop floor leadership with people management, training, and safety oversight. The General Labor Instructor leads by example, performing hands-on work alongside the team to demonstrate proper technique and reinforce best practices, while also handling onboarding training, safety training, and performance management of general laborers. 

Given our quick turnaround times and strict deadlines, candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate attention to detail, and maintain a positive, can-do attitude. We need individuals who are deadline-driven, have a strong commitment to safety, and can consistently exhibit excellent attendance. Our ideal candidates will take pride in customer satisfaction, have high integrity, and be dependable. We offer rewarding jobs and take pride in delivering exceptional quality work.

We’re currently involved in some interesting, high-impact projects, including the construction of two cutting-edge electric tugboats, and an 8-year contract to build advanced workboats for the US Navy. It’s an exciting time to be part of our team as we push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship!

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and manage all incoming and existing general laborers and associates with the intention of graduation into a trade 
  • Welding/Fabricating
  • Painting 
  • Electrical 
  • Mechanical 
  • Carpentry 
• Perform tasks alongside the team to set the standard for quality and pace 
• Demonstrate proper techniques, tool use, procedures, and best practices 
• Assign daily tasks and prioritize workloads to keep up with production schedules 
• Monitor work quality and productivity, providing direction, training, and guidance as needed
• Promote a safety-first culture 
• Track time and attendance, performance, and disciplinary actions 
• Communicate staffing needs and team issues to Talent Acquisition and Engagement Manager/Human Resources as necessary 
• Attend production meetings to understand all upcoming needs and projects 
  • Coordinate with other departments for labor support as needed
• Assist with scheduling and planning with the rest of the production team 

Training 

• Deliver and document training as part of onboarding 
  • Shop procedures 
  • Safety trainings 
• Deliver continuous hands-on training to develop employees 
  • Job-specific skills 
  • Quality standards 
• Ensure all team members are properly trained before working independently on projects or equipment
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in general laborers, helping them develop 
  • Provide tools and trainings they need to grow 
  • If general laborers are interested in other departments, help identify what they need to strengthen to progress into that department 

Essential Skills:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in boatbuilding, shipyards work, heavy construction or related field are required
• Previous supervisory or team lead experience 
• Strong working knowledge of shop safety practices and procedures 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to train and mentor employees of varying experience levels 
• Act independently with limited supervisory oversight

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The work environment is a dynamic, fast-paced shipyard with moderate to loud noise levels due to ongoing production activities. Job duties are performed in production areas and onboard vessels and require:

• The ability to walk to and from job sites, climb inclined stairways, and use vertical ladders
• Frequent bending, squatting, crawling, twisting, standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands/fingers for various tasks
• Occasional reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling
• Frequent lifting of up to 20 lbs, with occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs
• The ability to work in extreme temperatures and conditions, including areas with limited ventilation
• The ability to enter and work in confined spaces, such as manholes
• The ability to work at heights
• Frequent use of a respirator
• Wearing required safety gear, including a hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing
• Regular exposure to noise from machinery and equipment

Pay and Benefits:

• $35 - $48 / hour
• Full time, overtime non-exempt position
• Overtime may be available
• Positive and supportive work environment
• 100% paid medical insurance for employees, 80% for spouses and dependents
• Comprehensive dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Generous PTO plan 
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% Employer Match 
• 9 paid holidays, including the day after the Super Bowl

About Snow & Company: Snow & Company is a leading boatbuilding and ship repair company located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. We specialize in constructing commercial vessels for the fishing industry, government agencies, tugboat operators, aquaculture businesses, and more. In addition to vessel construction, we provide comprehensive overhauls and repair services. Our modern facilities include enclosed fabrication halls and waterfront repair spaces, all situated along the picturesque Ship Canal. Conveniently located on the Burke-Gilman Trail and just one block from the Metro bus stop, Snow & Company is a commuter-friendly workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Snow & Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, age, disability, or genetic information. In addition to federal laws, Snow & Company complies with all applicable state and local nondiscrimination laws.

For more information, check out our website at