Job Description & Duties:
The Outside Laborer Level 1 is responsible for supporting safe, efficient, and continuous operation of all outside mill functions, including material handling, equipment operation, housekeeping, and logistics support. This position works under the direction of the Materials and Security Manager to ensure daily tasks are completed accurately, safely, and in coordination with production needs. This list is not all inclusive, and job duties can be added as needed.
- Safety & Compliance:
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Follow all mill safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements at all times.
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Adhere to chemical handling and emergency response protocols, including shutoff procedures.
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Conduct and document daily inspections of forklifts, loaders, and switchers prior to operation.
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Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents.
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Comply with all traffic control, rail safety, and material handling regulations within the facility.
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Quality Control & Record-Keeping:
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Monitor team scheduling systems and respond to assigned tasks in a timely manner.
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Maintain accurate logs for fiber handling, trailer tracking, and material movement.
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Communicate effectively with truck jockeys, Outside Laborer crew members, and the Materials and Security Manager.
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Ensure documentation accuracy for all scanned, moved, and stored materials.
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Equipment Operation & Process Control:
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Outside Duties:
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Maintain forklift propane tank levels using the main fill station.
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Measure slurry tank levels using ladders and tape measures; operate slurry pumps and valves as required.
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Safely unload and stage chemicals in accordance with PPE requirements and established handling procedures.
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Maintain cleanliness and organization of the cell room and surrounding exterior areas to support shipping and operational flow.
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Collect, compact, and dispose of mill waste using forklift and loader equipment.
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Assist internal and external drivers by communicating proper offloading procedures and directing traffic as needed.
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Load poly bails and unload supply shipments within the furnish prep department.
- Support railcar movement coordination by operating shifter equipment and maintaining safe crossing/intersection control.
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Perform assigned rotation of outside and pole barn duties as directed the Materials and Security Manager.
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Polebarn Duties:
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Inspect incoming fiber materials for compliance with mill fiber specifications.
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Scan and verify incoming trailers using wood yard tracking systems and Fiber Queue logs.
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Operate dock control systems to manage unloading of incoming trailers.
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Manually secure air brakes for live loads when required and ensure safe trailer positioning.
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Label, identify, and organize incoming materials according to paper type and mill requirements.
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Operate forklifts to transport, stack, and stage paper bales and rolls in designated yard areas.
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Maintain accurate fiber logs by scanning and documenting trailer barcodes prior to loading/unloading activities.
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Execute color bale unloading procedures, including documentation, labeling, and proper segregation/storage.
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Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
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Maintain housekeeping standards across all outside work areas, including woodyard, pole barn, cellroom, and all outside general-purpose mill areas.
- Monitor and maintain inventory of supplies required for outside operations.
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Perform snow removal and seasonal maintenance using plow trucks, loaders, and snow removal equipment.
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Report equipment issues promptly and assist with basic troubleshooting as needed.
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Support preventative maintenance activities when required.
Qualifications and Competencies:
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Valid driver’s license required.
- Experience with forklift, loader, switcher, and other heavy equipment operation preferred.
- Basic understanding of trailer movement, yard operations, and safe loading/unloading practices.
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Ability to follow direction from Supervisor while working independently when required.
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Strong problem-solving skills and ability to anticipate operational needs.
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Comfortable working in a team environment with shifting priorities.
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Basic computer skills and ability to use handheld scanners for inventory and tracking systems.
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Reliable team player with a positive and proactive work ethic.
Work Environment:
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Work outside a production facility exposed to all outside elements including cold, heat, rain, and wind.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, and the capability to lift 50lbs.
- Work in and around the production facility which may involve uneven surfaces and loud machinery.
- On-call work required, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for snow removal or ground cleanup.
