LABORER / GROUND HAND (OPERATOR 1)

Reports To: Plant Manager
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Purpose / Summary

We are seeking a dependable, safety-focused Laborer / Ground Hand (Operator 1) to support daily plant and site operations. This position performs a variety of general labor, site maintenance, material-handling, and equipment-support duties.

The ideal candidate is hardworking, reliable, willing to learn, and able to work effectively as part of a team in a physically demanding industrial environment. Previous experience is helpful but not required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

General Labor

• Perform a variety of physical tasks, including loading and unloading materials, digging, lifting, carrying, and moving materials as needed.
• Assist with routine plant and site activities as directed by supervisors.
• Maintain productivity while performing physically demanding tasks throughout the workday.

Site Maintenance

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Sweep work areas and remove debris, trash, and spilled materials.
• Assist with basic facility and site upkeep.
• Keep tools, equipment, and work areas organized and free of unnecessary hazards.

Assistance to Skilled Workers

• Assist skilled tradespeople, equipment operators, and maintenance personnel with assigned tasks.
• Provide tools, materials, and equipment as needed.
• Follow directions and assist with projects, repairs, maintenance, and general plant operations.

Equipment & Tool Operation

• Safely operate basic hand tools, power tools, and equipment as required.
• Use shovels, wheelbarrows, and other manual tools to complete assigned work.
• Operate equipment only after receiving appropriate instruction and authorization.
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working condition and report damaged or unsafe equipment.

Team Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with supervisors, operators, maintenance personnel, and other team members.
• Assist the team in completing projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Be willing to learn new skills and take on different responsibilities as operational needs change.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, moving equipment, vehicles, machinery, and other workplace hazards.
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, and equipment concerns promptly.
• Follow all instructions regarding safe work practices and equipment operation.

Communication

• Maintain clear and effective communication with supervisors and team members.
• Ask questions when instructions or tasks are unclear.
• Communicate work-related issues, hazards, and operational concerns promptly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor tasks in a variety of weather conditions.
• Previous experience in a labor-intensive, construction, industrial, mining, or plant environment is beneficial but not required.
• Basic understanding of occupational safety practices.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
• Dependable work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Ability to adapt to changing tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and work in various positions as required.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces when properly trained and authorized.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, dusty, wet, and other challenging weather conditions.
• Ability to work around noise, vibration, moving machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment.
• Physical stamina, coordination, and agility necessary to safely perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a reliable, hardworking, safety-minded individual who is ready to learn and contribute to a team-oriented work environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to take direction, attention to safety, and the flexibility to assist wherever needed to keep daily operations running efficiently.