Production Laborer

Smurfit Westrock•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Production Laborer supports production operations by assisting machine operators, handling finished products, maintaining housekeeping standards, and helping ensure machinery and equipment operate safely and efficiently. Duties include product handling, machine setup assistance, quality monitoring, packaging, palletizing, and continuous improvement activities. The role works closely with production teams to support operational efficiency, product quality, workplace safety, and customer satisfaction. The position follows company and facility safety policies, procedures, PPE requirements, and regulatory requirements; identifies and reports unsafe conditions and near misses; maintains a clean and organized work environment; and participates in safety training and improvement initiatives. Production work includes assisting operators, preparing and starting machinery, monitoring equipment and production specifications, reading specification sheets, preparing load tags, packaging and moving materials, and ensuring finished pallets meet quality standards. The laborer also assists with troubleshooting, cleaning, quality and productivity efforts, coworker training, and other assigned duties. The role supports production goals through safe and efficient machine operation, teamwork, adherence to operating procedures and customer quality requirements, prompt reporting of equipment issues, accurate production documentation, and continuous improvement. The position is located in San Antonio, Texas. Benefits begin on the first day of eligibility. Candidates must complete a drug screening after receiving a conditional offer and before starting employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Basic computer skills and data entry abilities.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Basic mathematics skills, including calculations involving percentages, proportions, and measurements.
Ability to identify problems, gather information, and make sound decisions.
Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to learn new processes and adapt to changing priorities.
Regular and reliable attendance required.

Nice To Haves

Up to one year of manufacturing, production, corrugated, or related experience preferred.
Experience in a corrugated packaging or manufacturing environment.
Previous experience operating or assisting with production machinery.
Knowledge of manufacturing quality standards and production processes.
Forklift or material-handling experience.
Experience participating in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Follow company safety policies, facility standards, operating procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Identify and report unsafe conditions, near misses, and safety concerns; maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Use proper lifting and material-handling practices and participate in safety training and continuous improvement initiatives.
Assist machine operators with daily production activities and machine make-ready processes.
Set up, prepare, and start production and assembly machinery at the beginning of the shift.
Monitor equipment during operation to ensure specifications and tolerances are maintained.
Read specification sheets and prepare load tags according to production requirements.
Count, pack, seal, label, palletize, and move materials and finished products.
Place dunnage on pallets, ensure finished pallets meet quality and presentation standards, and manually shrink-wrap and secure finished products.
Clean machinery and work areas, including removing paper dust and debris, and maintain housekeeping standards throughout the shift.
Assist with troubleshooting operational and equipment-related issues and promptly report equipment issues to help reduce downtime.
Support quality, waste reduction, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Train and assist coworkers in developing operational knowledge and skills.
Collaborate with operators and team members to meet production goals and customer specifications.
Maintain accurate production-related information and documentation as required.
Assist other departments and perform additional duties or special projects as assigned by management.
Participate in training and development activities to enhance job knowledge and performance.