Utility Operator

BlueScope Coated Products, LLC; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

BlueScope Coated Products is seeking a Utility Operator to support the paint line across multiple roles, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime during absences. The role requires cross-training, leadership on shift, and compliance with quality and environmental systems.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of manufacturing experience, basic tool knowledge, and the ability to operate overhead cranes and forklifts.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years manufacturing operating experience.
• Cross-training across multiple roles or machines is expected.
• Knowledge of basic hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Cross-train across all material handler and operator roles to support continuous paint line operation.
• Operate overhead crane and forklift.
• Provide coverage for planned/unplanned absences to minimize downtime.
• Lead and coach operators and material handlers on shift as needed.
• Understand coil defects and required actions at the finish coater.
• Follow Quality and Environmental Management System principles.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Accountability

Time Management

Reading skills

SOPs comprehension

Mobile equipment

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead crane

Forklift

Basic hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Company Description

BlueScope Coated Products is one of the largest coil coating companies in the United States, with facilities across the country. With more than four decades of expertise providing painted metal coils and toll processing services for industries in the construction and consumer product markets, we pride ourselves on delivering premium quality, reliable service, and ongoing innovation to our customers.

Utility Operator

The Utility Operator will be responsible for covering multiple roles on the paint line to maintain operation and avoid stopping for breaks caused by vacations and call‑offs. The Utility Operator is the Production Supervisor’s second in command and is expected to cross‑train across all material handler and operator roles to support continuous paint line operation. The Utility Operator is also expected to provide leadership and support to the broader team as a support to the leadership team.

Key Focus Areas

• Cross‑train across all material handler and operator roles to support continuous paint line operation
• Competent at operating an overhead crane and driving a forklift
• Serves as primary operational coverage for planned and unplanned absences to minimize paint line downtime
• Quickly transitions between roles based on production needs, staffing levels, and supervisor direction.
• Acts as a lead resource on shift, providing guidance, coaching, and informal direction to operators and material handlers as needed.
• Understand the different coil defects and what action is required if it is observed at the finish coater.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with the fundamental principles associated with the Quality and Environmental Management System in place at BlueScope
• Communicates daily with internal personnel from Production and Quality Control to assist in resolving problems and achieving company goals
• Participates in continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, and reliability of the paint line.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED)
• 2+ years manufacturing operating experience
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment with demonstrated success in cross‑training across multiple roles or machines.
• Knowledge of basic hand and power tools

Desired Qualifications

• Metals, coating, roll forming or industrial manufacturing experience
• Previous experience serving as a utility, back‑up, relief, or floater operator supporting multiple production roles.

Skills and Abilities

• Promotes teamwork, accountability, and positive communication during normal operations and upset conditions.
• Basic computer skills
• Time Management – prioritizing work to meet internal and/or external customer demands
• Good communication skills
• Mobile equipment operations skills
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials such as schedules, SOPs, work rules, etc.
• Ability to work up to 12‑hour shifts
• Ability to pass a background check and drug test as a condition of employment

Work Environment

• The employee may be required to enter areas that are near moving mechanical parts, with occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals, and extreme cold or heat.
• The noise level in the work environment is considered moderate and may require the use of hearing protection. The employee will be required to utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when accessing certain manufacturing areas.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; sit; bend; stoop; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• The employee will be required to be capable of lifting a minimum weight of 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close‑up and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Additional Information

The preceding job responsibilities and tasks were designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job duties and responsibilities required of associates assigned to this job. Associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Additional job competencies, individual goals, and performance measurements are set at the department level.

Benefits

The benefits are just as rewarding as the work at BlueScope. To support our goal, we offer a total compensation plan and an outstanding benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, paid time off, and retirement.

EEO:

Employer/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veteran BlueScope is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status, as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

We are a global leader in metal coating and painting products for building and construction industries, providing vital components for houses, buildings, structures, vehicles and more. We have built a solid foundation for growth with a diverse portfolio of businesses in some of the largest and fastest growing economies of the world. We are headquartered in Australia, with our people and operations spread across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and throughout Asia.