Operator Trainee - Grayling, MI

Bakelite; Grayling (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Bakelite in Grayling, MI is seeking an Operator Trainee to support loading/unloading, equipment monitoring and quality control as part of a 24/7 production team. The role emphasizes safety, on-the-job training and hands-on experience in polymer resins and industrial chemicals.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and forklift experience, plus some experience with computers for data entry and documentation. Be prepared for outdoor/industrial work and strict safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating a forklift.
• 2+ years in the last 4 years in a related role preferred.
• 1+ year in industrial/production environment.
• 1+ year of computer data entry or documentation experience.
• 1+ year in chemical or refinery industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload raw materials and finished goods per customer and chemical specifications.
• Train and develop production skills to advance within the plant.
• Monitor equipment and perform minor troubleshooting to ensure production efficiency.
• Document shipping, receiving and manufacturing data using a computer or tablet.
• Work in outdoor weather and in industrial environments, including heights and confined spaces.
• Wear PPE and follow all health, safety and environmental guidelines.
• Meet production goals while working rotating 24/7 shifts, including nights and weekends.

Skills

Forklift operation

Data entry/computer use

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World

• You'll help us achieve operational excellence. As an Operator Trainee, you will ensure high-quality standards that help our organization to consistently meet production goals and enhance overall operational efficiency.

• You'll be a key member of a dynamic team that’s built on open communication, trust and transparency. You'll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery, monitoring production processes, and ensuring quality control.

• You'll build a meaningful career. At Bakelite, you'll be supported by ongoing learning and development through our well-established training and certification program, designed to help you advance and grow professionally.

• You'll play a critical role in Safety and Reliability. You'll help us further strengthen our commitment to safety by adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines and effectively troubleshooting equipment issues.

It's Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You

• You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, you're part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it.

• We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development.

• Together, We Will Protect the Planet. From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company, and improve and protect the planet.

• Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow - for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities.

• We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Beaver Creek:

• Grayling is surrounded by scenic rivers, forests and state parks, with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, snow sports and more. Grayling is noted as the "Canoe Capital of the World" and is the starting point for the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, one of three races that constitute canoe racing's Triple Crown.

• Grayling is just a day trip away from picturesque Traverse City or the Great Lakes that surround the state.

• Local educational institutions include Kirtland Community College, located just half a mile from the Bakelite plant, and Grayling High School, which is in the top five high schools in Michigan.

• Love to travel? You'll be close to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, so you can hop a flight to anywhere in the world.

• Learn more about Grayling

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

• Loading and unloading raw materials and finished goods in accordance with customer and chemical specifications.

• Training and skill development to advance in production, learning to operate and monitor chemical reaction process to manufacture polymer resins, industrial chemicals and raw materials.

• Monitoring equipment and performing minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal production and minimal downtime.

• Using a computer to document data such as shipping and receiving information and manufacturing processes.

• Working in outside weather conditions as well as in an industrial environment, at heights and in confined spaces.

• Adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines, policies and procedures by wearing necessary Personal Protection equipment (PPE), i.e.; hard hats, safety glasses, face shield, chemical suit, respirator, ear plugs, hearing protection, steel-toe boots or safety shoes and other PPE required by specific jobs.

• Meeting and exceeding production goals while maintaining a focus on safety, meeting the physical and safety requirements of the job, and working a rotating shift schedule in a 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends and holidays.

What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities):

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience operating a forklift.

• At least two (2) years of continuous employment in the last four (4) years preferred.

• One (1) year or more of experience in an industrial, warehouse, military, farming, construction, mechanical or production environment.

• One (1) year or more of experience using a computer or tablet to record information and using a computer for data entry of record keeping documentation, shipping and receiving information, or manufacturing processes documentation.

• One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred.