Assistant Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

GSM Outdoors is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Assistant Press Operator to support the daily operation of production and packaging equipment. This position works closely with the Press Operator and Production Lead to ensure products are manufactured, packaged, and prepared for shipment safely, efficiently, and according to established quality standards.

The Assistant Press Operator will assist with machine setup, material preparation, production line operations, quality inspections, packaging, housekeeping, and equipment cleanup. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in developing manufacturing and machine operation skills in a fast-paced production environment.

What You'll Do

Production & Machine Operations

• Assist the Press Operator with the setup, startup, operation, and shutdown of hydraulic press and related production equipment.
• Assist with operating and monitoring machinery used to manufacture, fill, or package products.
• Help regulate material and product flow throughout the production process.
• Load raw materials and packaging materials into production equipment as needed.
• Assist with clearing machine jams and restarting equipment when safe to do so.
• Monitor equipment during production and immediately report unusual noises, malfunctions, or operating issues to the Production Lead or Supervisor.
• Assist with product changeovers, machine adjustments, and line preparation.
• Follow established production procedures and instructions to maintain consistent production output.

Quality Control

• Inspect products throughout the production process to ensure they meet established quality standards.
• Identify and remove defective products or packaging materials.
• Assist with testing and evaluating products, including verifying product weights and measurements.
• Separate and properly handle rejected or non-conforming products.
• Notify the Press Operator or Production Lead of quality concerns or inconsistencies.
• Ensure finished products are properly packaged, labeled, and prepared for shipment.

Materials & Inventory

• Stock raw materials and packaging supplies needed for production.
• Assist with monitoring material levels throughout the shift.
• Report material shortages, damaged materials, waste, or other inventory concerns to the Production Lead or Supervisor.
• Assist with cycle counts of raw materials and finished goods.
• Help track material usage, including waste, damaged materials, and shortages.

Packaging & Finished Goods

• Remove finished products from machinery and place products into appropriate containers or packaging.
• Stack finished products and pack items into properly labeled boxes.
• Apply identification labels to finished products, boxes, and pallets.
• Assist with preparing completed products for storage or shipment.
• Count and record finished and rejected products as required.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift.
• Clean production lines, equipment, work areas, and surrounding facility areas as required.
• Assist with cleaning machinery between product changes and at the end of each production day.
• Properly use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and production requirements.
• Immediately report safety concerns, mechanical issues, forklift concerns, or other hazards to the Production Lead or Supervisor.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and safely operate around machinery, forklifts, and other production equipment.

Team Support

• Work closely with the Press Operator, Production Lead, and other production team members to meet daily production goals.
• Assist the Production Lead with line setup, startup, breakdown, and cleanup.
• Support other machine lines or production areas when assigned work is completed.
• Assist other departments as needed based on business and production requirements.
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented approach and contribute to a productive work environment.
• Ask questions and seek guidance when performing unfamiliar tasks or when an adjustment is beyond the scope of the position.