Material Handler/Utility Worker

Grahamjobs; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

Grahamjobs in Danville, VA is seeking a Material Handler/Utility Worker to support production through material flow, cleanliness, and packaging tasks.

The role involves preparing raw materials, assembling packaging components, removing debris, and assisting machine operators. Candidates should be able to lift safely, follow directions, and thrive in a tobacco-processing facility; shifts run 1st-3rd.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in manufacturing or warehouse settings is a plus.
• Ability to lift and move materials safely and repeatedly.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Willingness to work in a tobacco-processing facility.

Responsibilities

• Support production and quality teams by performing material handling and cleaning.
• Prepare raw materials and assemble packaging components as required.
• Pull wires from tobacco bales and manage related inventory.
• Build boxes with correct inserts and attach labeling per product specs.
• Remove contamination and foreign objects from the line.
• Keep work areas clean and ensure 5S3R standards are followed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Line Manager.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Lift and move materials

Follow instructions

Fast-paced environment

Tobacco facility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Material Handler/Utility Worker Location: Danville, VA Hourly Rate: $18-$19 Shift: 1st, 2nd, 3rd 6am-2pm / 2pm-10pm / 10pm-6am

The Material Handler is responsible for performing a variety of physical tasks to support material flow and ensure the cleanliness, quality, and efficiency of the production process. This role involves preparing raw materials, assembling packaging components, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting the production and quality teams.

Pull Wires from the Bale

• Cut wires opposite the knot on Greenleaf tobacco bales.
• Remove and discard cardboard slip sheets and wires at designated cutting stations.
• Place wires and cardboard into proper recycling bins.
• Identify and remove any foreign materials that may contaminate tobacco or damage equipment.
• Request and manage inventory of tops and bottoms used for boxing.

Build Boxes for Final Product

• Inspect cartons for visible damage or contamination prior to use.
• Assemble one top and one bottom to form each box.
• Add necessary kraft paper or chipboard inserts per product specifications.
• Affix the correct pre-printed belly tag for proper product identification.
• Transfer completed boxes onto roller conveyors for packing operations.

Material Handling

• Remove stalks, off-color tobacco, and foreign objects (e.g., string, dirt, paper) from the conveyor line.
• Manually lift and transport materials as needed to support machine operators and supervisors.
• Clean work areas, equipment, and machines using appropriate tools (brooms, rags, etc.).
• Shovel loose materials (e.g., sand, gravel, metals, plastics, tobacco) into machines or containers.
• Sort and drop pickings into designated buckets based on material type (e.g., dark tobacco, green tobacco, stemmed tobacco, foreign matter).
• Pull degradation test samples in accordance with the client’s Quality Manual (QC personnel only).

Cleaning Designated Area

• Sweep assigned areas and remove debris or foreign materials.
• Dispose of floor sweepings into metal bins designated for waste collection.
• Maintain cleanliness standards in line with the company’s 5S3R policy.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Line Manager to ensure production and quality objectives are met.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or warehouse setting is a plus.
• Ability to lift and move materials safely and repeatedly.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to work in a tobacco-processing facility.

Working Conditions

Physically demanding role requiring lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

Exposure to raw tobacco and environmental conditions associated with production facilities.

May include shift work, overtime, and weekend scheduling.

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