Job Title: Lead Crater
Position Summary:
Using lumber, wood, plywood, or other customer or job-specific material specifications, create, construct, erect, install, or repair suitable industrial crates for shipping or storage use. The Crater will use hand and/or powered hand tools or carpentry tools to accomplish crating requirements.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
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Measure and mark cutting lines on materials to be used for crating or warehousing purposes. Shape or cut materials to specified measurements and requirements.
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Assemble and fasten materials to construct crate framework.
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Erect scaffolding or ladders for structure assembly as needed or necessary.
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Remove, replace, or repair damaged, defective, or insufficient existing crates and moving/storage containers.
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Anchor or brace forms and structured materials using hand or powered hand tools.
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Apply shock-absorbing, stabilizing, or supporting wood or other materials necessary for the safe and thorough construction of crates and containers.
Lead Crater Requirements:
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Demonstrate expert-level capability in interpreting, designing, and optimizing cut sheets by independently developing complex designs, selecting and allocating materials efficiently, and managing workflow sequencing and time performance to meet operational and production standards. Review, validate, and approve cut sheets created by others to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with construction requirements.
Operation and oversight of forklifts (
- 60K), Versa-Lifts, and all-terrain/sky track equipment to include operating safely and efficiently in all environments (MEI premises and customer sites), interpreting and directing flagger/spotter communication, and mentoring other operators. Evaluate equipment use, identify unsafe practices, and enforce corrective actions to ensure compliance and operational safety standards.
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Demonstrate full ownership of ocean container loading operations by independently planning, executing, and validating loading, blocking, bracing, and lashing activities across all container types (standard, open-top, flat rack). Ensure compliance with SOLAS and Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirements, review documentation for accuracy, and approve final load readiness, while coaching others and enforcing corrective action as needed.
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Demonstrate advanced expertise in both lower-level and complex packing operations by independently planning and executing packing strategies, applying securement protocols, and determining the need for pedestals, yoking, and structural supports. Evaluate packing effectiveness, prevent damage risks, and guide team members to ensure proper load stability, protection, and compliance with customer and operational standards.
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Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in vacuum packaging and vapor barrier bagging by independently executing, evaluating, and optimizing packaging applications, including calculating desiccant requirements based on volume/cubic footage. Lead corrective actions, train team members, and ensure packaging integrity meets environmental protection and customer requirements.
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Demonstrate full ownership of customer-facing quality control by independently conducting spot checks before, during, and after operations, managing customer communication, and ensuring all scopes of work, requests, and expectations are met or exceeded. Manage and document change orders, coordinate with Project Management and Sales, and resolve issues proactively to maintain strong customer relationships.
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Demonstrate full accountability for operational documentation by maintaining, reviewing, and validating all required MEI records, including Work Orders, Daily Sheets, Bills of Lading, equipment checklists, and pre-task plans. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance, while training team members and enforcing documentation standards across all job functions.
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Demonstrate ownership of jobsite completion by directing and verifying full crew cleanup, ensuring proper equipment and material handling, and restoring work areas to required standards. Inspect final conditions, hold team members accountable, and confirm job completion readiness in alignment with MEI expectations and customer requirements.
Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):
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High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
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Able to use necessary hand and power tools safely and correctly.
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Ability to read blueprints, sketches, or other dimensional drawings.
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Perform mathematical calculations as necessary – this may include multiplication, division, fractions, percents, or geometry.
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Be detail oriented, able to take direction, and closely follow instruction.
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Visualize or predict the outcome of the job by using deductive and inductive reasoning.
Advanced Position Requirements Lead Crater:
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HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Crater positions.
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Three to five years of crating, carpentry, or directly relatable experience. Additional years’ experience preferred for advanced Crater positions.
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Ability to supervise the work of others and manage their time efficiently.
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Knowledge of employee life-cycle processes including hiring/firing, and employee relations or employment changes.
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Advanced use of or knowledge in blueprints, carpentry, weight-bearing concepts and using appropriate tools or materials for crating, shipping, or storage.
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Able to instruct, guide, and/or mentor others in safety protocol and standard practices.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
This is very physical, hands-on work. A Crater must be able to perform General Physical Activities — activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials up to 50 pounds. Frequent use of hands and fingers with good hand/eye coordination. Occasional work in a non-temperature-controlled environment and/or outdoors in all types of weather, and over uneven ground or terrain.
Additional Requirements:
Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI’s customers have come to expect.
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a Crater and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of this position, as necessary.
MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.
Include shift schedule
Not Included
7am - 3:30pm
