Production Operator

Production Operator (Laborer)

The primary responsibility of the Production Operator is to operate assigned production areas safely and efficiently while supporting continuous plant operations. The Operator must:

• Safely and efficiently fulfill assigned tasks from the Shift Foreman.
• Assist fellow operators as needed to maintain production flow.
• Perform visual quality inspections to ensure the highest product standards.
• Complete daily housekeeping of assigned areas to maintain a safe, organized environment.
• Promptly report any equipment, process, or safety issues to the Shift Foreman.

Safety and quality are the foundation of daily operations — ensuring a hazard-free workplace and consistent production of high-quality wallboard products.

To be successful in this position, candidates must demonstrate the following:

• Ability to keep pace in a steady, production-driven environment.
• Multi-tasking across a variety of work assignments and areas.
• Maintaining indoor and outdoor work areas' appearance and safety.
• Capability to perform special projects such as painting and grounds upkeep (lawns, roads, etc.).
• Physical and mental adaptability to varying demands and job functions.
• Willingness to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to learn and safely operate mobile equipment (forklift, sweeper, man-lift, scissor lift).
• Comfort performing repetitive tasks and spending the majority of the day on your feet.
• Eagerness to learn and grow into an excellent operator.

This role is safety sensitive due to routine work around moving, automatic, and mobile equipment. Operate in a safe manner at all times, following all plant and departmental safety rules and procedures. Perform mobile equipment safety inspections and understand proper lock-out/tag-out procedures for assigned equipment. Participate in weekly safety meetings and job-specific safety reviews. Understand and follow Job Safety Analyses (JSA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS), and all safe work practices. Consistently wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, hearing protection, and safety footwear; use face shields or respirators when tasks require.

Follow all production area safe operating procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Properly store tools and materials such as brooms, shovels, and trash containers to keep work areas hazard-free. Safely start, stop, monitor, and test all assigned production equipment. Operate and support wallboard loading, shipping, reclaim, and transfer equipment. Assist with maintaining plant grounds (mowing, weeding, trash removal, painting, and general upkeep). Perform basic repairs to facilitate uninterrupted production when safe and appropriate. Complete routine housekeeping and custodial duties to maintain cleanliness and safety. Contribute daily production and safety reports and document special projects or incidents.

Assist in other areas or job functions when the plant is short-handed or during special projects. Provide relief during breaks and support co-workers to maintain production flow. Remain flexible to work various shifts and overtime as required.

Education: High School diploma or GED required. Industrial or manufacturing experience preferred; forklift and mobile equipment experience a plus.

Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and work orders. Basic math (fractions, percentages, area, volume, standard-to-metric conversions). Mechanical aptitude to perform basic repairs and troubleshooting issues.

Communication Skills: Clear communication with co-workers and supervisors (verbal and radio). Accurate completion of reports and production forms.

This position is physically demanding and safety-sensitive:

• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, climbing ladders or stairs, and working at heights.
• Frequent lifting and moving of materials up to 25 lbs.; occasional lifting to 50 lbs.; rarely lifting up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at various elevations.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, dust, airborne particles, temperature extremes, and outside weather conditions.
• Noise levels from moderate to loud; hearing protection required in designated areas.
• Repetitive physical tasks required throughout the shift.

Daily use of safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots. Face shields, respirators, or other specialized PPE may be required for certain operations.

Valid driver's license required. Ability to obtain and maintain certifications for mobile equipment operation (forklift, man-lift, sweeper, etc.)

This position operates on 12-hour shifts. Overtime is required based on business needs, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.