Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Production
💰 $17 - $25 per hour
ManufacturingProductionOperationsEntry-LevelLabor
🎯 Role Definition
We are actively seeking a reliable and motivated General Production Associate to join our dynamic manufacturing team. In this pivotal hands-on role, you will be instrumental in the creation of our products, ensuring they meet our high standards of quality and are produced efficiently and safely. You will operate machinery, assemble components, and support the entire production lifecycle from raw materials to finished goods. This position is perfect for an individual with a strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and a commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- High School or GED Graduate
- Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
- General Laborer or Construction Worker
Advancement To:
- Senior Production Operator / Machine Specialist
- Production Team Lead or Shift Supervisor
- Quality Control (QC) Inspector
Lateral Moves:
- Inventory Control Clerk
- Maintenance Technician (with additional training)
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Operate and monitor production machinery and equipment according to established procedures to ensure continuous and efficient operation.
- Perform diverse assembly-line tasks, which may include fitting, fastening, or joining parts to manufacture finished goods.
- Conduct rigorous in-process and final quality inspections of materials and products to identify defects and ensure they meet precise specifications.
- Transport raw materials, work-in-progress components, and finished goods to designated areas using pallet jacks, carts, or other material handling equipment.
- Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols, including the correct and consistent use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by performing regular housekeeping duties in your assigned area.
- Accurately complete production logs, quality control reports, inventory sheets, and other necessary documentation in a timely manner.
- Identify and report minor machine malfunctions, operational issues, or material shortages to the shift supervisor or maintenance team for resolution.
- Prepare, pack, label, and palletize finished products for shipment or storage, ensuring accuracy and stability.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to achieve production goals and maintain a positive work atmosphere.
- Work efficiently and diligently to meet or exceed daily and weekly production targets, quotas, and deadlines without compromising quality or safety.
- Read and interpret work orders, basic blueprints, and production schedules to understand task requirements and specifications.
- Utilize a variety of hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement instruments (e.g., calipers, gauges) as required for assembly and inspection tasks.
- Assist in the setup, calibration, and basic adjustments of production equipment at the start of a shift or during product changeovers.
- Visually inspect raw materials and finished products for surface defects, blemishes, or any non-conformance to quality standards.
- Securely stack, wrap, and palletize finished goods, preparing them for transfer to the warehouse or shipping department.
- Sort and properly dispose of scrap, waste, and recyclable materials in accordance with company and environmental guidelines.
- Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and transport vehicles, often involving lifting and moving heavy objects.
- Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions to enhance efficiency, quality, and workplace safety.
- Cross-train on different machines and in various production areas to provide operational flexibility and support to the team.
Secondary Functions
- Assist the maintenance team with minor preventative maintenance tasks like cleaning or lubricating machinery.
- Participate in company-wide safety committee meetings or continuous improvement project teams.
- Help train and onboard new team members, demonstrating proper operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Support inventory and stock-taking activities by assisting with cycle counts and material organization.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Machine Operation: Ability to safely operate and monitor manufacturing equipment.
- Hand/Power Tool Proficiency: Skilled in using a range of tools for assembly and adjustments.
- Quality Control Inspection: Experience with visual inspection and using measurement tools like calipers and gauges.
- Basic Mathematics: Competency in performing basic calculations, including addition, subtraction, and measurement conversions.
- Material Handling: Experience operating pallet jacks or other material handling equipment.
- Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and interpret basic work orders, diagrams, and manufacturing instructions.
- Safety Protocol Knowledge: Understanding of general workplace safety (e.g., LOTO, PPE) and OSHA standards.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks to ensure high-quality output and accuracy.
- Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and dedicated to completing tasks efficiently.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve common goals.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to switch between tasks or work in different areas of the production floor as needed.
- Problem-Solving: Capable of identifying issues and reporting them effectively for resolution.
- Time Management: Skilled at prioritizing tasks to meet production deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and perform repetitive motions.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Vocational or Technical Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Manufacturing Technology
- Industrial Production
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a related environment.
Preferred: 1+ year of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, production, or warehouse setting is highly desirable. Previous experience operating machinery in a fast-paced industrial environment is a significant plus.