What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entry Level Production Associate position at Swanson Group, Inc.?
Since our founding in 1951, Swanson Group has proudly remained a multigenerational, family-owned company. We are committed to fostering a welcome and supportive workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
At Swanson Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success.
Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today!
Position Title: Entry Level Production Associate (Mentor Trainee)
Reports To: Department Supervisor
Department: General Plant
Hours per shift: Employee works 8-hour shifts, with two 10-minute breaks, and 30-minute unpaid lunch. Or 10- hour shifts with three 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute unpaid lunch.
Day: 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.; 4:45 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Swing: 3:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.; 3:15 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. Graveyard: 10:45 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.
Wage: Level 1 to Level 3
Position Purpose: The purpose of the Mentor Trainee position is to provide training in entry level positions so when open spots in production become available, we have trained and competent operators who can perform these job duties. Mentors hired will be assigned a shift and a department and will then learn jobs in that department as needed. There will sometimes be opportunities for them to cross train in other departments.
Position Functions:
Entry Level Production Associate: Essential Functions*
These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.
Essential Functions will change based on position Mentor is placed in. Please see each job description for their specific job tasks and duties. Some of these jobs could be but are not limited to: Dryer Feeder, Dryer Grader, Polyline, Panel Painter Utility, Press Helper.
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual job descriptions.
Assist co-workers or Maintenance personnel in basic maintenance procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Non-Essential Functions
These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by supervisor for production and cleaning purpose.
Working Environment: (1) Inside 80%, average temperature 80 degrees, extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 120 degrees F. (2) Outside 20%. Noise or vibration: Machine noise to include machine being operated as well as other machines close by including Forklifts. Hazards: See Job Hazard Analysis. (3) Atmospheric conditions: Dust: Limited, Mist: Water, Odors: Dry wood, Gasses: None, Poor Ventilation: None. The worker in this position will be standing on a slightly elevated wooden platform with rubber mats. The worker will move back and forth on this platform in front of an elevated dry conveyor measuring 3 ½ to 4’ above the ground. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Blue Atlas gloves. (4) Approved Footwear (5) High Visibility Clothing.
Physical Demands: See the attached Job/Task Evaluation and Physical Capabilities portion; this position requires constant use of hearing and vision, frequent bending, twisting, pushing/pulling and reaching, and occasional lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling more than 50 lbs.
Skills: (1) must have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously and must have peripheral vision to see forklifts and co-workers. Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc. Worker generally works with another clean up member with little supervision. Clean up members must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task. Ability to prioritize, organize, and make necessary decisions.
Safety: (1) Do only maintenance you are trained to do and keep all body parts out of machinery. (2) Always use our 14-step lockout/tagout procedure before doing any maintenance, clearing jams, or getting into machinery for any reason; be aware of stored energy. (3) Always use proper body mechanics (ex: don’t overreach, get help as needed to push loads out). (4) Use proper PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection). (5) Be aware of and always communicate with your co-worker (ex: forklift driver). (6) Will be required to read and write during safety training.
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law.
At Swanson Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success.
Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today!
Position Title: Entry Level Production Associate (Mentor Trainee)
Reports To: Department Supervisor
Department: General Plant
Hours per shift: Employee works 8-hour shifts, with two 10-minute breaks, and 30-minute unpaid lunch. Or 10- hour shifts with three 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute unpaid lunch.
Day: 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.; 4:45 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Swing: 3:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.; 3:15 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. Graveyard: 10:45 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.
Wage: Level 1 to Level 3
Position Purpose: The purpose of the Mentor Trainee position is to provide training in entry level positions so when open spots in production become available, we have trained and competent operators who can perform these job duties. Mentors hired will be assigned a shift and a department and will then learn jobs in that department as needed. There will sometimes be opportunities for them to cross train in other departments.
Position Functions:
Entry Level Production Associate: Essential Functions*
These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.
Essential Functions will change based on position Mentor is placed in. Please see each job description for their specific job tasks and duties. Some of these jobs could be but are not limited to: Dryer Feeder, Dryer Grader, Polyline, Panel Painter Utility, Press Helper.
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual job descriptions.
Assist co-workers or Maintenance personnel in basic maintenance procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Non-Essential Functions
These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by supervisor for production and cleaning purpose.
Working Environment: (1) Inside 80%, average temperature 80 degrees, extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 120 degrees F. (2) Outside 20%. Noise or vibration: Machine noise to include machine being operated as well as other machines close by including Forklifts. Hazards: See Job Hazard Analysis. (3) Atmospheric conditions: Dust: Limited, Mist: Water, Odors: Dry wood, Gasses: None, Poor Ventilation: None. The worker in this position will be standing on a slightly elevated wooden platform with rubber mats. The worker will move back and forth on this platform in front of an elevated dry conveyor measuring 3 ½ to 4’ above the ground. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Blue Atlas gloves. (4) Approved Footwear (5) High Visibility Clothing.
Physical Demands: See the attached Job/Task Evaluation and Physical Capabilities portion; this position requires constant use of hearing and vision, frequent bending, twisting, pushing/pulling and reaching, and occasional lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling more than 50 lbs.
Skills: (1) must have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously and must have peripheral vision to see forklifts and co-workers. Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc. Worker generally works with another clean up member with little supervision. Clean up members must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task. Ability to prioritize, organize, and make necessary decisions.
Safety: (1) Do only maintenance you are trained to do and keep all body parts out of machinery. (2) Always use our 14-step lockout/tagout procedure before doing any maintenance, clearing jams, or getting into machinery for any reason; be aware of stored energy. (3) Always use proper body mechanics (ex: don’t overreach, get help as needed to push loads out). (4) Use proper PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection). (5) Be aware of and always communicate with your co-worker (ex: forklift driver). (6) Will be required to read and write during safety training.
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law.
