Batch & Furnance Unloader

About the role

The Batch Unloader will unload and store batch raw materials from rail carts into designated storage areas, inspect unloading equipment, and participate in physical inventory of batch materials. This role involves setting up, operating, and monitoring computerized batch unloading and delivery equipment, as well as assisting in daily, monthly, and annual inventories of batch materials.

Responsibilities

• Clean the batch house and surrounding work areas on a daily basis; perform general housekeeping and basic cleaning tasks throughout the batch and furnace areas.
• Check water, oil, and fuel levels in front-end loaders, payloaders, forklifts, and other mobile equipment; replenish as needed.
• Inspect raw materials and cullet and report any deviations to supervision.
• Mix colorants or decolorizers in proper amounts for batch production.
• Gather raw material samples as instructed and forward samples for engineering analysis.
• Safely move throughout the basement and production areas where hot glass operations are present.
• Operate payloaders and other mobile equipment to transport raw materials and support plant operations.
• Assist with unloading, handling, and transferring raw materials from rail cars to designated storage and processing areas.
• Work around overhead conveying and transport systems while adhering to all safety requirements.
• Support furnace and batch operations during all shifts to help ensure continuous plant operation, even when other plant departments are shut down.
• Communicate effectively with incoming and outgoing shifts to ensure smooth operational handoffs and continuity.
• Respond with urgency to operational needs and changing production priorities.
• Perform basic equipment inspections and report mechanical concerns promptly.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to work rotating 8-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and moving equipment.
• Must be able to climb stairs, walk extended distances, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must have the ability to safely work around hot glass operations and industrial production equipment.
• Must demonstrate strong attendance, reliability, teamwork, and communication skills.

Preferred skills and experience

• Basic knowledge of computers and quality systems.
• Experience weighing materials and collecting samples.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong team player who works effectively across shifts and departments.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining coordination with the production team.
• Prioritizes safety while working around heavy equipment, hot glass, and industrial processes.
• Strong sense of urgency and reliability in a continuous manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable working in indoor and outdoor environments and in varying weather conditions as required.

Preferred background

• Previous payloader, front-end loader, or heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience operating mobile equipment in a manufacturing, glass, mining, aggregate, chemical, or industrial environment.
• Experience unloading rail cars, rail carts, bulk materials, or raw material handling systems.
• Prior batch house, furnace, glass manufacturing, or continuous process manufacturing experience.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment issues and perform basic operator maintenance.
• Experience with inventory control, material handling, and computerized process systems.
• Forklift certification or previous forklift operating experience.
• Experience working rotating shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $27.61

Benefits

• Vacation time and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, prescription and vision care coverage
• Pre-tax accounts
• Well-being program which includes opportunity to earn employer contributions
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k) retirement saving plans with employer contributions
• Financial advisors to assist with retirement planning and financial wellness
• Employee Assistance Program