Raw Material Unloader
At GAF, we cover more than just buildings—we cover each other. Under this roof, you’ll have the tools and resources to grow in your career, experience our culture, and empower your teammates, customers, and community. We define the future while leading the present through innovation and a deep well of experience.
About the Location
Newton, Kansas is a vibrant community founded in 1871, known for its spirit of work, historic roots in railroads and agriculture, and modern amenities. With a population of about 20,000, Newton and neighboring North Newton offer an active arts scene, three National Historic Districts, museums, trails, restaurants, shops, Bethel College, award-winning schools, a championship golf course, and a first-class convention center. This collaborative region is close to Wichita and may be your next home as part of GAF’s newest manufacturing facility.
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to join a greenfield startup as GAF constructs its newest shingle manufacturing facility in Newton, KS. As part of the initial plant leadership team, you’ll engage in training, travel to other locations, support hiring, and participate in facility design and construction. Your first years will be rewarding and challenging, with a supportive team and evolving responsibilities as the plant ramps up.
Responsibilities
- Champion a safe and clean work environment, embedding safety as the highest priority.
- Participate in safety, continuous improvement, and 5S initiatives.
- Maintain compliance with safety policies, conduct inspections, and resolve or communicate deficiencies.
- Safely operate industrial equipment to move raw materials and finished goods.
- Unload raw materials and load finished goods from/to commercial trucks and rail cars.
- Independently execute loading/unloading sequences, ensuring optimal weight distribution and load security.
- Demonstrate mastery of material handling equipment (forklifts, trackmobile, etc.) to move materials with precision.
- Verify inbound/outbound manifests (BOLs, packing slips) and resolve discrepancies in SKU, lot numbers, or quantities.
- Adhere to First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principles, perform cycle counts, and investigate inventory variances.
- Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanners for real-time transactions and data integrity.
- Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks (e.g., equipment malfunctions, dock congestion) to maintain throughput.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED.
- 2+ years in a safety-sensitive industrial, distribution, or manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and situational awareness in plants with moving machinery and overhead hazards.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to pivot quickly during supply chain disruptions and work under limited supervision.
- Basic mathematical skills for counting and verifying quantities against Bills of Lading.
- Ability to maintain productivity during 8–12 hour shifts involving bending, lifting, and equipment operation.
- Excellent organizational skills.
Skills
- Entry-level proficiency in G Suite.
- Knowledge of OSHA and FRA regulations (e.g., LTV, wheel chock use, rail flag identification, HazMat transportation).
- Understanding of inventory control (cycle counts, FIFO, inbound/outbound paperwork).
- Knowledge of equipment weight shift points and forklift weight limits.
- Entry-level skills in warehouse management platforms (e.g., SAP) and ERP systems.
- Ability to perform root cause analysis for safety and loading incidents.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of forklift experience in an industrial, distribution, or manufacturing environment.
- Experience with specialized logistics systems (e.g., Koerber), Google Suite, and ERP systems.
Physical Demands
- Frequent movement, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), pushing/pulling, bending, and mounting/dismounting equipment.
- Constant reaching, handling, and communication (talking/hearing).
- Frequent coordination, climbing, and repetitive motions.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, hazards, and vibration.
Travel Requirements
Occasional travel may be required for conferences, site visits, or professional development, with advance notice provided.
Pay
Base hourly rate: $29.00. Compensation offers will vary based on geographic location, experience, skills, education, and qualifications.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for you and your family.
- Family-building benefits, including fertility and parenthood support.
- 401K plan with employer match (pre-tax and/or Roth contributions).
- Wellness program, free financial coaching, referral program, and product rebates.
- Professional growth opportunities, including internal training and tuition reimbursement.
- Employee Resource Groups focused on education and allyship.