Operator Trainee - Grayling, MI

Bakelite; Grayling Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Bakelite in Grayling, MI is seeking an Operator Trainee to support production, operate machinery, and contribute to safety and quality. You will learn to monitor processes, document data, and collaborate with a dynamic team in a 24/7 plant environment.

This role emphasizes hands-on training, safe work practices, and a path to a meaningful manufacturing career. Training and certification opportunities are part of the program, with growth through continued development and on-the-job learning.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating a forklift is preferred.
• At least two years of continuous employment in the last four years preferred.
• One year or more of experience in an industrial, warehouse, military, farming, construction, mechanical or production environment.
• One 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 year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 PPE.
• Meeting and exceeding production goals while maintaining a focus on safety, working a rotating shift schedule in a 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Skills

Forklift operation

Data entry via computer

High school level literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Computer/Tablet data entry

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: Located in northern central Michigan, Grayling is just a few hours from the state’s largest cities, including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

• 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?

Here are your primary responsibilities:

• 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 GED.

• 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.