General Helper Slab Processing

Oregon Steel Mills LLC; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost health plan

HSA/FSA options

Paid vacation & holidays

401(k) match

Life insurance & disability

Job summary

Oregon Steel Mills LLC is seeking a Slab Processing General Helper to support initial Operations. You will identify steel slabs, cut per production needs, and scarf slab kerf while safely operating mobile and production equipment.

In this 12-hour shift role, you’ll work independently and as part of a team, handling material movement and quality standards, with opportunities for apprenticeship and advancement in steel manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Must work safely in a heavy industrial environment including heat, dust, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is required.
• Ability to operate mobile equipment and use basic hand and power tools.
• Must be able to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, complete, and legible production records.
• Enter slab information into computerized systems and map slabs.
• Process steel slabs according to production requirements.
• Operate burning equipment and scarfer torch equipment.
• Assist crane operators and communicate via radio and signals.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Perform routine housekeeping and maintain a safe work area.
• Follow operating procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.

Skills

Safety-focused

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Strong communication

Physical stamina

Math skills

Tools

Forklift operation

Torch cutting equipment

Crane signaling

Job description

At Oregon Steel Mills LLC, our strength starts with our people! As a team we collaborate to solve problems, contribute ideas and challenge each other to ensure growth and ultimately success for the business and our employees.

Starting Wage: $27.50/hour + Monthly Performance Incentive Bonus Opportunities. At Oregon Steel Mills, our strength starts with our people. We work as one team to solve problems, improve processes, and deliver quality products safely and efficiently.

If you're looking for a challenging, hands‑on career in a heavy industrial environment with outstanding benefits and advancement opportunities, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Oregon Steel Mills?

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Paid vacation and recognized holidays
• Monthly performance incentive bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with a 5% company match
• Additional employer-funded retirement savings plan
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Wellness initiatives
• Career advancement and apprenticeship opportunities

Position Summary

The Slab Processing General Helper plays a critical role at the beginning of operations at OSM. The General Helper is a versatile, cross‑trained position responsible for identifying steel slabs, performing cutting operations according to production requirements, and scarfing slab kerf to meet quality standards. This role requires knowledge and safe operation of various pieces of mobile and production equipment. The Slab Processing General Helper efficiently supports material movement, maintains workflow, and keeps the department operating safely and effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Successful candidates are safety‑focused, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. This position operates on a 12‑hour shift schedule.

What Makes This Role Unique?

The General Helper role offers the opportunity to develop specialized skills and gain valuable hands‑on experience in the steel manufacturing process. Team members learn to cut steel slabs according to production requirements, prepare slab edges through scarfing, and operate specialized equipment such as slab cutting machines and scarfing torches. Working alongside crane operators and the Rolling Mill, employees gain exposure to different stages of steel production while developing important teamwork and material‑handling skills. This position also provides an opportunity to build experience toward operating overhead cranes and advancing into higher‑skilled production roles, creating a strong foundation for long‑term career growth within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, complete, and legible production records
• Map, identify, and accurately enter slab information into computerized systems
• Efficiently process steel slabs according to production requirements
• Operate burning equipment, including automatic cutting torches, track burners, and hand‑held torches
• Inspect steel slabs and remove kerf using hand‑held torches
• Communicate effectively with crane operators by using radio, hand signals and verbal communication
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment
• Perform routine housekeeping and maintain a safe work area
• Follow established operating procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements
• Support production needs and perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work safely in a heavy industrial environment with exposure to heat, dust, noise, fumes, and varying weather conditions
• Ability to safely operate mobile equipment and use basic hand and power tools
• Ability to work 12‑hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
• Ability to understand and use standard hand signals when communicating with crane operators
• Strong attention to detail when mapping slabs, identifying material, and entering production information
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Ability to read, understand, and follow procedures, work instructions, and technical documents
• Strong planning and organizational skills in a fast‑paced production environment
• Ability to adapt to changing job duties, learn new tasks, and accept changes in work assignments
• Successful completion of a post‑offer ergonomic assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating burning equipment, including hand‑held torches, track burners, or automatic cutting torches
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, steel production, logistics, construction, or other industrial environments
• Forklift operating experience
• Basic computer and production data‑entry experience

Benefits

• Competitive wages and bonus opportunities
• Family medical, dental, and prescription coverage at minimal employee cost
• Short and long term disability programs
• Competitive retirement plans
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Employer‑provided and Voluntary Life Insurance options
• Paid vacation and recognized statutory holidays
• Apprenticeship and career advancement within the company
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness program

All applicants must be eligible to work in the USA. While we thank all those who apply, only those being actively considered for employment will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer Orion Steel Group LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. Orion Steel Group LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call: [phone]. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis. Orion Steel Group LLC is a leading producer of engineered steel products for rail, energy and industrial end markets with a legacy of operational success in the United States and Canada. We recycle nearly 1 million tons of scrap metal a year making steel to produce the materials vital to energy exploration, recovery and transmission, central to the movement of goods and people, and critical to building North America’s industrial infrastructure. From railroads to green energy, our engineered steel products strengthen our economy. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds, but all share a common set of core values. They work together to solve problems, contribute ideas and develop leading‑edge products and processes that ensure success for our customers and our business. Strength in steel, strength in people.