EXTRA HAND/ LABORER (Valdosta Mill)

About the role

The Extra Hand/Laborer is a full-time position at the Valdosta Mill, a 24-hour operation. Candidates must be able to work any assigned rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime, with the potential to work 12-hour shifts. This role involves assisting department-wide with general utility and physical labor functions, such as moving, spotting, and operating equipment, clean-up, wash-up, unplugging chutes, turning valves, and making storeroom supply runs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with utility services, including moving, spotting, and operating equipment.
• Perform clean-up and wash-up duties.
• Unplug chutes and turn valves as needed.
• Make storeroom supply runs.
• Work during annual outages (typically two 7-day periods per year) and unscheduled shutdowns on 12-hour shifts.
• Substitute for the Extra Hand and/or entry-level positions throughout the mill.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Ability to work any assigned rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• At least two years of full or part-time work in the last four years.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in English.
• Satisfactory completion of background check and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pulp & Paper industry experience.
• 2-5 years of experience in manufacturing, warehouse, equipment, or process operations in an industrial environment.

Skills

• Ability to work well under pressure and within time constraints.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and computer skills.
• Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and change.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple requests simultaneously.
• Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.

Hiring Process

Selected candidates will undergo a series of five timed written tests and a structured board interview. The tests cover:

• Basic mechanical principles.
• Basic arithmetic skills.
• Ability to visualize three-dimensional figures.
• Ability to compare numbers or patterns quickly and accurately.
• Basic verbal ability.

The board interview, conducted by a four-person panel, will review:

• Work history.
• Achievements and accomplishments.
• Knowledge and skill acquisition.
• Interpersonal skills and helpfulness.
• Task-related likes and dislikes.
• Physical demands experienced on previous jobs.

Pay

Starting salary: $19.35 per hour.

Benefits

• Paid vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year (pro-rated during the initial year based on start date).
• Paid holidays.
• Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage within the first 30 days of employment (employee and dependents).
• Automatic enrollment in life, AD&D, and disability coverages upon hire.
• Automatic enrollment in the 401k plan with both pre-tax and Roth contribution options, including employer-provided matching contributions.