Entry Level Production Worker

Knife River; Washington; Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Health Savings & Flexible Spending

401K with Company Match

Profit Sharing

8 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Years of Service Recognition

Job summary

Knife River is hiring entry-level Precast Concrete Manufacturing Technicians at Newman Lake, WA. This hands-on role offers safety-focused training, a pay-for-skills progression, and clear pathways to advancement in a modern manufacturing environment.

You will assist in setup, finishing and inspection of precast concrete products, operate basic tools and machinery, and join a team that values quality, safety, and dependability. Full-time, on-site with excellent benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Clear communication and ability to work in a team.
• Basic math and ability to read and use a tape measure.
• Willingness to learn and operate basic hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Setting up molds and assembling rebar cages.
• Pouring, finishing, and inspecting precast concrete products.
• Operating hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring devices.
• Safely operating mobile equipment and cranes.
• Working around suspended loads and high-tension strand.
• Accessing scaffolding and elevated work platforms.
• Supporting general labor tasks and special projects as needed.

Skills

Work ethic

Teamwork

Communication

Basic math

Tape measure

Willingness to learn

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Precision measuring tools

Crane operation

Job description

Great Pay! Great Benefits! Strong Teams! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our teams are the foundation of our success, and we're committed to providing the training, tools and support to do great work and go home safely at the end of each day. Join a team that looks out for one another and supports career growth from day one.

We have several entry level opportunities available at our Newman Lake location! As an entry level production worker, you can expect:

Training for entry level candidates to include:

• Workplace safety and PPE
• Precast/prestressed concrete production basics
• Proper use of hand and power tools
• Form setup and preparation
• Concrete placement and finishing
• Reading basic drawings and work instructions
• Quality standards and inspections
• Material handling and lifting techniques
• Teamwork and communication
• Equipment care and housekeeping

Only 10 Positions Available!

Tired of “Just a Job”? Build a Career That Pays You to Grow.

Build Something Real. Build a Career.

Most jobs just fill your time. This job builds something that lasts—including your future.

As a Precast Concrete Manufacturing Technician, you’ll work in a modern, safety‑focused manufacturing facility producing high‑quality precast concrete products used in critical infrastructure and communities. This is hands‑on, skill‑driven work where attention to detail, teamwork, and craftsmanship matter—and where your growth is directly tied to higher pay and advancement.

Bring the drive. We’ll provide the training, tools, and opportunity.

Why This Job Stands Out

• Pay for Skills Program – Learn more, earn more. Skill progression directly drives pay increases.
• Career Growth – Clear advancement paths, regular evaluations, and extensive on‑the‑job training.
• Modern Manufacturing Facility – Precast production using cutting‑edge equipment in a controlled environment.
• Team‑First Culture – Work alongside people who take pride in doing quality work the right way.
• Stability & Benefits – Full‑time, consistent work with excellent benefits.

What You’ll Do:

As a Precast Concrete Manufacturing Technician, you’ll be involved in the full manufacturing process from setup to finished product, including:

• Setting up molds and assembling rebar cages
• Pouring, finishing, and inspecting precast concrete products
• Operating hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring devices
• Safely operating mobile equipment and cranes
• Working around suspended loads and high‑tension strand
• Accessing scaffolding and elevated work platforms
• Supporting general labor tasks and special projects as needed

This is a Safety‑Sensitive role performed in an industrial manufacturing environment with large equipment and suspended loads.

What We’re Looking For

Required skills and abilities:

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a team
• Basic math skills and ability to read and use a tape measure
• Willingness to learn and operate basic hand and power tools

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience in precast concrete, construction, manufacturing, or industrial environments

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, climbing, reaching, and movement throughout the workday
• Lifting may be required (assistance provided when needed)
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

This role is ideal for individuals who want more than a paycheck—those who want to learn specialized precast manufacturing skills, increase their earning potential, and grow into a long‑term career. If you take pride in quality, safety, and teamwork, you’ll do well here.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re motivated, dependable, and ready to build something you can be proud of:

Multiple positions are open, and hiring is happening now.

We have a transparent Pay for Skills program that clearly defines the skills needed to progress and increase your pay. With regular evaluations, you can take your career growth into your own hands. Extensive on‑job training and advancement opportunities are offered. With your drive, you will help build quality products and strong communities.

Location: Newman Lake, WA
Schedule: Full‑Time | On‑Site
Pay Range: $23.19 – $31.95 per hour + excellent benefits
Final pay is based on skills, experience, location, and qualifications

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Years of Service Recognition

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call 541-693-5900 to speak with a human resources representative.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Veterans: Put your Skills to Work with Us!

At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Production Team Member:
Air Force:
Pavements and Construction Equipment Helper
Pavements and Construction Equipment Apprentice
Pavements and Construction Equipment Journeyman
Pavements and Construction Equipment Craftsman
Army: Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator

Marines: Basic Engineer, Construction, And Equipment Marine

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.