PRODUCTION WORKER 1
Reports To: Cutting Room Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Production Worker I is responsible for supporting the efficient operation of the Cut & Sew Department by performing a variety of production, material handling, shipping, receiving, and equipment-related duties. This position requires proficiency in cutting room operations, including spreading, cutting, bundling, staging, and shipping functions while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and productivity standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Demonstrate proficiency in all primary cutting room functions, including bundling, spreading, cutting, wrapping, pallet staging, shipping, and receiving activities.
• Operate and support the automatic spreading and cutting systems while ensuring accurate and efficient production processes.
• Prepare, stage, and wrap pallets for storage and shipment.
• Load and prepare Gen III shipments according to established procedures and customer requirements.
• Receive, unload, and verify fabric shipments and other incoming materials as required.
• Process and ship bowling orders and other customer orders accurately and efficiently.
• Assist with inventory movement and material handling throughout the production process.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Maintain forklift certification and comply with all equipment operating procedures.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on cutting department equipment in accordance with established schedules and procedures.
• Assist with equipment maintenance activities, including changing cutting blades, resetting equipment parameters, cleaning equipment components, and ensuring equipment remains in proper operating condition.
• Identify and report equipment concerns, maintenance needs, or safety issues to management.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all KCARC policies, procedures, OSHA regulations, and safety standards at all times.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Utilize appropriate safety equipment and safe work practices when performing job duties.
• Participate in required safety training and comply with all workplace safety requirements.

Team Support & Collaboration

• Follow directions and assignments provided by supervisors and management staff.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet production schedules and departmental goals.
• Support other production and operational functions as needed to ensure efficient workflow.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in various departmental activities based on business needs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain reliable attendance in accordance with agency policies.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Work additional hours, including overtime, as required to meet production schedules and operational demands.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely operate equipment and work in a physically demanding production environment.

Disclaimer

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

KCARC reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as necessary to meet organizational and operational needs. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Nothing contained in this job description shall be construed as creating an employment contract, express or implied. Employment with KCARC remains at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or KCARC at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Improvements Made

Professional Structure: Organized responsibilities into Production Operations, Equipment Maintenance, Safety & Compliance, and Team Support categories for improved readability.

Manufacturing-Focused Language: Enhanced terminology to better reflect production, shipping, receiving, and material handling responsibilities.

Safety Emphasis: Strengthened language related to OSHA compliance, equipment operation, and workplace safety expectations.

Recruitment-Friendly Format: Created a polished, professional job description that clearly outlines expectations, responsibilities, and physical requirements while maintaining the original intent of the position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet departmental and operational needs, including overtime, modified break schedules, and adjusted lunch periods when necessary.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to actively listen, interpret information accurately, and respond appropriately to workplace needs and operational requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds using professionalism, tact, empathy, and respect.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, vendors, and customers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, and leadership in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive business information.
• Adaptable and open to change, with a willingness to embrace new processes, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Forklift operating experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Windows-based computer applications preferred.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or production environment is beneficial.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• Forklift certification preferred, or the ability to obtain certification if required by the position.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Frequent lifting, bending, twisting, turning, reaching, and other physical movements required to support operational duties.
• Ability to safely perform physical tasks in a warehouse, manufacturing, or production environment.
• Must possess the physical stamina necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed in a production, warehouse, or industrial environment and may include exposure to machinery, equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Noise levels may range from moderate to loud depending on operational activity.
• Employees are expected to comply with all safety procedures, policies, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements as applicable.
• The position requires the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality, productivity, and safety standards.

Improvements Made

Professional Tone: Replaced informal language with polished, professional HR terminology.

Enhanced Competencies: Emphasized communication, leadership, organization, adaptability, and confidentiality.

Improved Readability: Organized qualifications into clearly defined sections consistent with professional job descriptions.

Industry-Appropriate Language: Updated the physical demands and work environment sections to align with manufacturing, warehouse, and production-related positions while maintaining compliance-focused language.