Production Operator/Laborer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary roles and responsibilities for this position are performing operational logistics for kiln production as well as physical labor tasks within the job site working within a crew.  Receive daily work assignments and following instructions.  Practice and adhere to all safety requirements and regulations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Maintain and keep kilns operational.
• Effectively follow and adhere to all safety related rules and regulations.
• Ability to effectively resolve issues with production within required timeframes.

DAILY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Responsible for inserting ties into shredder equipment to prepare product for loading into kiln.
• Ability to run loader and shredder while following safety guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Set up pods for burning and move kilns where burning process is completed to appropriate designated area. This requires continual preparation and movement of kilns to ensure that continuous production can occur within each designated shift.
• Move biochar from kiln and prepare for bagging product for distribution to the next phase of preparation.
• Effectively receive, follow and carry out daily instructions and work assignments.
• Must be able to carry out general maintenance to equipment and production equipment.
• Regularly clean and prepare site to eliminate hazards and remove safety issues.
• Signal other equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery, equipment, and materials.
• Controls traffic passing near, in, and around work zones.
• Perform physical labor tasks as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with all railroad rules and regulations under the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for safe operations.
• Adhere to and promote safe work practices as determined by the railroad and the Company.
• Participate in group discussions that include crew meetings, job briefings, safety meeting, and process reviews.
• Other duties, tasks, and responsibilities that may be assigned at any time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

• High school diploma or GED required or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Prior experience working in a production environment and experience running light industrial equipment (i.e., loader, shredder).
• Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with crew members and others visiting the job site.
• Understand and follow verbal and visual communication that include signals and warnings.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Capable of lifting and carrying a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work some weekends to accommodate and meet production processing timelines.
• Experience with heavy hand tools, and previous work in an outside environment preferred. This position requires the ability to safely work around extremely high temperatures as well as work outside with exposure to inclement weather.
• Must have mechanical aptitude/ability.
• Must be dependable and have great attention to detail.
• Ability to follow instructions, apply process/procedures, and communicate to manager and team questions, concerns, and information to maintain production and a safe environment.

Safety Responsibilities:

• Safety protocols are extremely important to follow.  
• Follow all safety training and procedures displaying clear understanding through demonstration of safe work practices.
• Refer to and comply with instructions, requests, orders, and information posted within bulletins, memorandums, rules and regulatory guidance/manuals.
• Must be able to complete and pass requirements for background check and drug screening.
• Ability to obtain eRailSafe badge and approval required as well as completing and passing all required railroad training.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS           

Position reports to the Superintendent and is expected to operate under moderate supervisory involvement, depending on the task and the incumbent’s knowledge and ability to complete the task.  All other staff remain available for information, advice, guidance, or assistance if needed and may provide training, coaching, and feedback as appropriate. This position supervises 0 employees depending on managerial needs.

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the incumbent in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

• Employee Handbook 
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Mission and Values Statement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The Laborer will frequently stand, walk, climb, and move throughout the workday, use their hands, repeat the same movements, and bend or twist their body while handling products and conducting work. Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 lbs.  Frequently move objects up to 75 lbs.  Exposed to loud noise with possible exposure to live tracks and trains as well as high voltage areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical environment requires the employee to work outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.  This position works in a very manual work environment with frequent e outdoor facilities and spends between 6-8 hours within a dumpster truck.