Plant Labor - Block I (Christiansburg, VA)

Department: Block, Retail, & Building Supply
Reports To: Plant Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)

About the role

The Plant Labor - Block I position supports the daily operations of the concrete block production facility through a combination of equipment preparation, production monitoring, quality control, and general plant maintenance. This role is responsible for ensuring that only quality masonry products are produced and made available for shipment, contributing directly to plant safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. The Plant Labor - Block I employee performs a variety of manual labor tasks including operating forklifts and front-end loaders, cleaning mixers, operating the tumbler, and handling, splitting, and flipping block products as needed. Through consistent attention to safety, product knowledge, and hands-on operational support, this role plays an important part in maintaining a professional, hazard-free, and productive plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and enforces plant-wide safety protocols and company safety programs in compliance with OSHA, DOT, FMCSR, and all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations; conducts regular inspections and corrective action follow-through, and cooperates with the Director of Health and Safety to ensure all operations and activities are performed in a consistently safe manner.
• Prepares all required equipment for plant start-up each morning, verifying operational readiness and reporting any deficiencies to the Plant Manager.
• Performs routine and general maintenance tasks on plant equipment to support continuous and safe operation throughout the workday.
• Performs general housekeeping duties in and around the plant facility building, including sweeping, mopping, and emptying refuse containers, as needed.
• Monitors concrete block production operations and reports irregularities, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor promptly.
• Maintains current working knowledge of all masonry products produced and available for sale.
• Observes all applicable federal, state, local, and company safety policies, procedures, and regulations at all times, including the consistent use of required personal protective equipment.
• Operates forklifts, front-end loaders, and related power and hand tools safely and in compliance with established operating procedures.
• Maintains the cleanliness and overall appearance of plant facility, ensuring a professional and hazard-free environment for employees and customers.
• Performs mixer cleaning and maintenance duties including sweeping, shoveling, and washing out mixers, and operates the tumbler through the full loading and cubing process.
• Conducts quality control inspections by grading finished block products to ensure only materials meeting established quality standards are approved for shipment to customers.
• Performs a variety of manual labor tasks as directed, including splitting and flipping block products, and supports other production activities as operational needs require.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area by removing excess materials, sweeping, shoveling debris, returning tools and supplies to designated storage locations, and promptly containing and cleaning up any spilled or excess material in accordance with applicable environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Experience with general or routine maintenance tasks in an industrial, manufacturing, or outdoor environment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and gripping materials throughout the full work shift.
• Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions and to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift and front-end loader.
• Ability to read, write, distinguish colors, and perform basic tasks requiring visual accuracy.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Reliable personal transportation to and from the assigned work location.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing Plant: Work is performed primarily in an active manufacturing and production facility.
• Outdoor Exposure: Periodic exposure to outdoor conditions during yard, loading, or site inspection activities.
• Moving Equipment: Regular presence in areas with active heavy equipment, forklifts, and production machinery.
• Dust and Particulates: Exposure to concrete dust, aggregate, and other airborne particulates inherent to block manufacturing operations.
• Extreme Temperatures: Potential exposure to hot or cold temperature conditions depending on season and facility area.
• PPE Required: Use of personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hard hat, steel-toed footwear, and hearing protection as required by area.
• Noise Level: Loud.

Physical Demands

• Lifting (Maximum): Up to 120 lbs., as required.
• Repetitive Lifting: Up to 100 lbs., repetitively throughout the shift.
• Carrying: Approximately 120 lbs., as required.
• Pushing / Pulling: Approximately 120 lbs., as required.
• Pinching / Gripping: Approximately 120 lbs., as required.
• Overhead Reaching: Frequent, as required by task.
• Extended Reaching: Frequent, away from body as required by task.
• Sitting: Approximately 3 hours per day.
• Walking: Approximately 3 hours per day.
• Standing: Approximately 6 hours per day.
• Climbing / Kneeling: Approximately 1 hour per day.

Schedule

Full-time; standard hours as required by operational demands; schedule may vary based on plant operations, production cycles, and business need.

Travel

This position is not expected to require regular travel; however, occasional travel to other plant locations to support operational needs may be requested at the discretion of management.