Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 PM–6:00 AM (Night Shift); overtime as required
Pay: $18.00–$20.00 per hour, based on experience
Shift Differential: Additional $1.00 per hour
Monthly Incentive: Additional $2.86 per hour, subject to incentive program requirements

Who We Are

Lignetics, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium wood pellets, animal bedding, and other renewable wood-based products. With manufacturing facilities across the United States, we are committed to producing high-quality, sustainable products while maintaining a safe, efficient, and team-oriented work environment.

At Lignetics, we value hard work, dependability, and teamwork. We offer opportunities to develop your skills, grow professionally, and build a long-term career with a company that takes pride in its people and products.

Benefits of Working at Lignetics

• We offer a competitive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 5%, fully vested after 90 days
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company wood pellet heating program
• $250 annual personal protective equipment (PPE) allowance
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Stable, year-round employment

Position Summary

Lignetics is seeking a dependable, motivated, and hands-on Team Lead to oversee night shift manufacturing operations at our Schuyler, NY facility. This position is responsible for directing daily production activities, supporting and coaching team members, monitoring equipment performance, and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. The Team Lead serves as the primary point of contact during their assigned shift, ensuring production goals are met, operational issues are addressed, and communication between shifts remains consistent.

The ideal candidate has manufacturing experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to lead by example. This is a hands-on leadership position that combines team supervision with direct operation and monitoring of mill and dryer production equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Shift Leadership – 75%

• Serve as the primary decision-maker during the assigned shift, directing workflow and ensuring production activities are completed safely and efficiently.
• Lead daily shift operations, assign priorities, and provide direction to production employees.
• Facilitate communication between shifts to ensure a smooth transition and clear understanding of production goals, equipment status, and operational needs.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, production records, and detailed documentation of activities, equipment issues, and other relevant information.
• Respond to employee questions, provide guidance, and assist with resolving operational challenges.
• Train, coach, and support team members on manufacturing equipment, production processes, and safety procedures.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment, ensuring employees follow established safety standards and company policies.
• Communicate regularly with the Plant Manager regarding production performance, equipment concerns, operational challenges, and employee-related matters.
• Monitor workflow and make adjustments as needed to maintain production efficiency and quality standards.

Mill/Dryer Operations and Quality Management – 25%

• Operate and monitor the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain efficient mill and dryer operations.
• Collect moisture samples at required intervals and ensure products meet established quality standards.
• Identify moisture variances, conduct root cause analysis, and make or recommend appropriate process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, hot bearings, spot fires, and other operational concerns while following established safety procedures.
• Monitor production equipment and operating conditions to identify potential issues before they affect production or employee safety.
• Assist with equipment adjustments and coordinate maintenance needs with the appropriate personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or production line experience required.
• Experience operating manufacturing systems, production equipment, monitoring systems, PLC programming, or manufacturing software required.
• Previous team lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Intermediate computer skills and ability to learn manufacturing software and monitoring systems.
• Ability to read and interpret scales, measurements, and production data.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to concentrate for extended periods.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and make decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Good hand-eye-foot coordination when operating manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for a minimum of seven hours per shift.
• Ability to work the assigned overnight schedule and overtime as required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand safety instructions, equipment procedures, production documentation, and operational requirements.

Work Environment

This position operates in an active manufacturing facility with exposure to production equipment, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying temperatures. Employees must be comfortable standing for extended periods, performing physical tasks, and working around industrial manufacturing equipment. The position requires adherence to all company safety procedures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. The Team Lead must be available to work the assigned overnight schedule, including overtime as operational needs require.

Lignetics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Lignetics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

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