Position Title: General Labourer
Department: Production
Division: AGI Westeel
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

AGI is a global food-based infrastructure company publicly traded in Canada. With over 4,200 employees and over 30 global manufacturing brands, AGI is a leading provider of equipment and technology solutions for agricultural commodities including seed, fertilizer, grain and feed systems and an expanding platform for food processing facilities.

With a focus on flexibility, exceptional quality, and ease of assembly, Westeel products and services are now available around the world. A century after entering the market, we have grown into a global leader in steel manufacturing and are proudly one of the first bin manufacturing companies in North America to be registered to ISO 9001:2015. We currently have approximately 80 employees operating in a manufacturing facility located in North Corman Industrial Park

The Opportunity:

The General Labourer is a valuable member to the Saskatoon Westeel Team, which helps all aspects of quality production. The General Labourer is a prep member, who inspects and prepares storage bins before the product is painted. The position is entry level and can lead to careers in: welding, millwrighting, painting, and machine operating.

The Team:

The General Labourer reports directly to the Production Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

• Actively supports and follows safety programs, quality assurance programs, labour laws,
• human rights legislation and occupational health and safety laws.
• Aid in the manufacturing and prepping of all products using a variety of hand tools
• including angle grinders, drills, hammers, etc.
• Clean and inspect welds.
• Aid in the loading/unloading of scheduled deliveries.
• Package and labeling of products.

What we are looking for:

• Basic English reading and writing skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong mindset towards safety.
• Must have a form of transportation to and from the site.
• Able to lift 50 lbs on occasion.
• Mechanically inclined.
• Experience in an industrial or factory setting would be beneficial
• Willingness to learn and take instruction.

AGI is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with a disability taking part in the recruitment process and once hired.

What skills and qualities are important for a General Laboure?

A Production Packager plays a crucial role in preparing products for distribution by ensuring they are packaged, labeled, and organized correctly. This role requires attention to detail, efficiency, and adherence to quality standards. Here are important skills and qualities for a Production Packager:

1. Attention to Detail:
– Precise attention to detail is essential to ensure products are packaged accurately and according to specifications.
– Thoroughly checking labels, quantities, and packaging materials helps prevent errors and maintain product quality.

2. Manual Dexterity:
– Proficiency in handling packaging equipment, tools, and materials is vital for efficient and safe packaging processes.
– Good hand-eye coordination ensures products are packaged neatly and securely.

3. Time Management:
– Efficiently packaging products according to production schedules helps maintain workflow and meet distribution deadlines.
– Managing time effectively helps balance speed and accuracy.

4. Quality Control:
– Ensuring that products are packaged in a consistent and high-quality manner helps maintain the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
– Identifying defects, inconsistencies, or packaging errors is essential for preventing faulty products from reaching customers.

5. Organizational Skills:
– Properly organizing packaging materials, labeling, and finished products minimizes confusion and streamlines the packaging process.
– Being able to locate and access materials efficiently speeds up production.

A Production Packager’s role is pivotal in the production process, as they are responsible for ensuring that products are packaged correctly, efficiently, and to high quality standards before they reach consumers or clients.

Who can apply to this job?

The employer accepts applications from:

• Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
• Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.

How to apply

What education and certification are required to become a General Laboure?

Becoming a Production Packager typically does not require extensive formal education or certifications. However, certain skills and knowledge can enhance your qualifications for the role. Here are the common educational paths and certifications that can be beneficial:

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most Production Packager positions require a high school diploma or its equivalent. This provides a basic level of education and demonstrates essential skills in reading, writing, and basic math.
• Associate’s Degree or Technical Diploma: While not always required, obtaining an associate’s degree or a technical diploma in areas such as packaging technology, supply chain management, or a related field can provide a deeper understanding of packaging processes and materials. This could make you a more competitive candidate and potentially open doors for advancement within the industry.

Certifications:

Certifications are less common for Production Packager roles compared to other professions, but there are a few options that could enhance your qualifications:

• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP): Offered by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), this certification is designed for packaging professionals and covers various aspects of packaging design, materials, regulations, and sustainability. While more relevant for packaging design and management roles, having this certification can showcase a commitment to the packaging field.
• OSHA Certification: While not specific to packaging, obtaining Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification can demonstrate your understanding of workplace safety regulations, which is important in a production environment.
• Forklift Operator Certification: If your role involves operating forklifts or other material handling equipment, obtaining a forklift operator certification can be necessary for safety and compliance reasons.

It’s important to note that while education and certifications can certainly enhance your qualifications, practical skills, work experience, and a strong work ethic are often equally if not more important for success in a Production Packager role. Many employers provide on-the-job training to ensure that employees understand specific packaging processes, equipment, and quality standards.

If you’re interested in pursuing a Production Packager role, you can start by looking for entry-level positions in manufacturing or production facilities. Tailoring your resume to highlight any relevant experience, skills, or coursework can help you stand out to potential employers.

What is the work environment like for General Laboure?

The work environment for a Production Packager can vary depending on the industry, the type of products being packaged, and the specific company’s practices. However, there are some common characteristics that you can expect in a typical work environment for a Production Packager:

1. Production Floor: Production Packagers primarily work on the production floor or in designated packaging areas. This is where they perform packaging tasks, such as assembling products, placing them in packaging materials, sealing containers, and applying labels.

2. Fast-Paced Atmosphere: Production packaging is often carried out in a fast-paced environment, especially in industries where high volumes of products need to be packaged quickly. Meeting production targets and deadlines is essential.

3. Repetitive Tasks: Packagers often engage in repetitive tasks, such as placing items in containers, sealing packages, or labeling products. The ability to maintain focus and attention to detail during repetitive tasks is crucial to ensure accurate and consistent packaging.

4. Shift Work: Many production facilities operate on multiple shifts to maintain continuous production. As a result, Production Packagers might need to work during various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

5. Team Collaboration: Packaging is often part of a larger production process, involving coordination with other team members. This could include communication with machine operators, quality control personnel, supervisors, and other members of the production team.

Overall, the work environment for Production Packagers is characterized by its fast-paced nature, focus on accuracy and quality, and the need for effective communication and teamwork within a production setting.