Job Responsibilities
fastening plastic bands around bales of corrugated cardboard
boxes as they come down the assembly line. Twenty-five percent
of my time is spent unloading the assembly line of banded bales.
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Job Requirements
Basic high school education required and a fork-lift operator
license is useful, too. Some athletic agility helps when walking
on rollers and conveyors.
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Uppers
Most of the time the job isn't physically demanding, nor is it ever mentally
taxing.
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Downers
Having to keep up with production while being expected to unload
the conveyor line and ensure that no machines shut down.
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Lifestyle
Blue collar work. No specific dress code, since it's a factory environment. Work
shifts vary. Usually 8 hour shifts, with occasional overtime and week-end hours
with increased demand.
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Compensation
Initially $8.50/hour wage to start. Medical benefits and 401(k)
plan participation optional. Some employee payment of insurance
premiums required depending on coverage. Employer matches 25% of
the contributions to the retirement plan, handled by ING
financial services. Health Assurance corp. covers medical
package, which is a PPO ( Preferred Provider Organization )
which does not require a primary care physician referral to see
a specialist. $10 office visit co-payment, $20 prescription drug
co-payment, is generic, otherwise $40.
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Advice to Jobseekers
In general, the outlook for the corrugated carton industry is
good, since most products have to be shipped in some sort of
container and boxes are preferred. Fluctuations in the economy
don't affect this occupation much, since there is a large enough
customer base to withstand such ups and downs in demand.
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