Position Summary
The Utility Person provides flexible production and operational support across assigned departments to maintain workflow and meet production schedules. This role performs a wide variety of manufacturing and support tasks based on departmental needs, staffing coverage, and production priorities. Work is performed from assigned schedules, work orders, blueprints, diagrams, specifications, and other technical instructions using common hand tools, powered tools, measuring instruments, and production equipment.
The Utility Person may be assigned to a variety of operations including, but not limited to, impregnation, leak testing, washing, balancing operations, shipping, stockroom activities, and material handling. This role regularly operates forklifts and other powered industrial equipment and is classified as a safety-critical position while performing those duties under OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.178). Safe operation, situational awareness, and strict compliance with all safety requirements are mandatory.
Essential Functions and Basic Duties
1. Production Support & Operations
- Perform a broad range of manufacturing and utility duties across assigned departments to support production schedules, staffing needs, and workflow continuity.
- Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, diagrams, specifications, and technical instructions to complete assignments accurately and efficiently.
- Obtain required materials, tools, equipment, and supplies and set up, operate, adjust, or monitor production equipment or perform manual operations to meet quality and production standards.
- Perform operations related to impregnation, leak testing, washing, static and dynamic balancing, shipping, stockroom activities, and other assigned production processes.
- Identify, correct, or report production, equipment, or quality issues, including making adjustments or performing disassembly and reassembly of components as required.
2. Inspection & Quality Assurance
- Inspect parts, materials, in-process work, and finished units using appropriate tools and methods to verify compliance with specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.
- Perform inspections, checks, or verification steps as prescribed or directed and document results accurately.
- Report defective materials, unusual conditions, equipment malfunctions, or quality concerns promptly to supervision.
3. Work Standards & Compliance
- Follow established production procedures, safety rules, and company policies while meeting quality, efficiency, and schedule expectations.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas and ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly stored and secured.
- Accurately complete time records, production data, and required documentation in accordance with company and departmental requirements.
- Exercise care to prevent damage to materials, work in process, finished goods, tools, inspection equipment, and facilities.
4. Material Handling & Equipment Operation
- Safely move, transport, store, load, or retrieve materials, components, and finished products using forklifts, hoists, carts, company vehicles, and other material-handling equipment.
- Operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment only when properly trained and certified, following load limits, traffic rules, and safe operating practices.
- Operate company vehicles for local material transport as assigned, in compliance with all safety and operational guidelines.
5. Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers to coordinate work, resolve issues, and support production flow.
- Assist and support production personnel as needed and provide feedback or suggestions to improve efficiency or quality.
- Notify supervision promptly of problems, discrepancies, or delays and take appropriate action within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
- Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions as required.
6. Other Duties
- Complete special projects and additional assignments as directed.
- Prepare and submit required reports and documentation accurately and on time.
Education / Certification
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience Required
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience at Gorman-Rupp with exposure to multiple manufacturing or production departments preferred.
- Experience operating production equipment, material handling equipment, or forklifts preferred.
- Certified welder preferred but not required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding of basic manufacturing processes, production standards, and shop operations.
- Equipment & Tool Operation: Ability to safely operate hand tools, portable power tools, production machinery, and related equipment.
- Material Handling & Forklift Safety: Ability to safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment when certified, including knowledge of load capacity, stability, traffic rules, and pedestrian awareness.
- Inspection & Quality Awareness: Ability to perform inspections, checks, and verifications to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.
- Problem Solving: Ability to identify and resolve routine production or equipment issues and escalate concerns as appropriate.
- Communication & Teamwork: Cooperative, dependable, and able to work effectively with others in a team-based environment.
- Attention to Detail: Consistent focus on accuracy, quality, and safe work practices.
- Adaptability: Ability to perform a variety of tasks across departments as production needs change.
- Safety & Compliance: Knowledge of and ability to follow OSHA regulations and company safety policies, including required use of PPE and safe handling of materials and equipment.
Physical Activities, Requirements, and Work Conditions
- Physical Demands: Medium work classification; ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally, 20 lbs. frequently, and 10 lbs. constantly. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and sustained physical effort required.
- Hearing & Visual Requirements: Close visual acuity is required for reading work orders, diagrams, gauges, displays, and labels, as well as for inspecting materials and equipment. Normal hearing is required to communicate effectively and to detect alarms, warning signals, equipment operation changes, and other safety-related sounds.
- Work Environment: Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, vibration, dust, fumes, chemicals, moving machinery, and other industrial hazards.
- Safety Requirements: Strict adherence to all safety policies and procedures is mandatory. Required use of PPE, compliance with forklift traffic rules, and participation in powered industrial truck (PIT) training and recertification as applicable.
- Work Schedule: May require overtime, extended shifts, or weekend work to meet production needs.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
