Careers

Position Summary

The Production Technician is a key member of our team, ensuring production procedures are carried out safely and efficiently, maximizing equipment uptime and product quality. They prepare raw materials, operate, maintain, and clean production machinery, and diagnose equipment issues alongside teammates. They work closely with Maintenance Technicians to ensure that equipment issues outside their scope are quickly resolved.

The Production Technician supports company-wide improvement initiatives, recognizing and communicating ideas and challenges. They may also train fellow teammates and support the development of training documentation. This role requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safe and efficient operations.

Work Schedule

• Day Shift: 6:30am–7:30pm, 3 days per week
• Monday / Tuesday / Friday

Starting Pay Rate

$22 – $24/hour. Actual compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on their unique qualifications and experience as well as market conditions. Final compensation decisions will be made in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery according to manufacturer guidelines and company procedures.
• Set up machines per specifications and prepare them for production runs.
• Adjust machinery controls to optimize product yield and quality.
• Batch and process raw materials in the pulper and stock prep system.
• Operate the die-cutting machine to trim and pack products for shipment.
• Handle end-of-line procedures, including product quality checks, data logging, and packing dry products.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues to maintain productivity and quality standards, escalating complex issues to maintenance as needed.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance as required and ensure optimal machine operation.
• Maintain and clean the production system, stock prep, tanks, and other equipment.
• Stay up to date with machine functions to assist in troubleshooting and collaborate with the Maintenance Technician.
• Maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Uphold and support the company's mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures.
• Identify and report concerns to operations management or Human Resources.
• Maintain a collaborative, positive, and professional attitude, building strong relationships with colleagues.
• Safely operate forklifts or pallet jacks to stack pallets, transport materials, and load/unload trucks.
• Operate chemical pumps to dose the correct amounts of chemicals for production runs.
• Assist with equipment changeovers and ensure effective communication of production information.
• Assist with tooling changeovers, cleaning, and preparation for storage.
• Train fellow employees on production procedures and safe equipment use as requested by management.
• Support effective hand-off between shifts.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Core Values & Competencies

At Tanbark, we don't just create sustainable products — we create a culture of innovation and responsibility. We support our mission through our core values that guide how we approach work, solve problems, and contribute to team and company goals.

• Adaptability – Embraces change, solves problems proactively, and continuously improves.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and keeps stakeholders informed.
• Curiosity – Seeks learning opportunities, challenges existing processes, and explores innovative solutions.
• Collaboration – Works effectively with diverse teams, fosters inclusive decision-making, and contributes to shared goals.
• Trustworthiness – Builds strong relationships through honesty, dependability, and open communication.
• Transparency – Communicates decisions clearly, shares relevant information, and ensures alignment with company objectives.
• Safety – Prioritizes workplace safety, follows protocols, and actively contributes to a culture of well-being.
• Sustainability – Supports long-term growth through continuous learning and professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Effective English communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to perform basic math and use hand-held measuring tools accurately
• Ability to interpret work instructions and drawings, perform manual tasks efficiently, and adapt to changing priorities
• Dependable, self-motivated team player with a positive attitude, strong initiative, and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment
• Prior manufacturing experience preferred — open to candidates who have been successful in similar hands-on, fast-paced production settings (food production, agriculture, distribution/warehouse, screen-printing, waste management, etc.)
• Experience with machine operation (including HMIs) or ability to learn
• Commitment to high quality standards, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize and correct defects
• Mechanical aptitude and curiosity to learn how equipment and systems work; understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, or instrumentation preferred
• Ability to operate a pallet jack required; prior experience operating a forklift preferred
• Troubleshooting mindset; maintenance or mechanical experience a plus

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding position requiring employees to stand and walk for up to 13 hours per shift. Frequent climbing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive hand movements are required.

Must be able to safely lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds and possess the strength, stamina, and manual dexterity needed to operate production equipment, hand and power tools, and manual valves.

Exposure to moving mechanical parts, pulp dust, chemicals, and moderate noise. Required PPE must be worn at all times.

Advancement Opportunities

Joining Tanbark means getting in at the ground floor of a company that's building for the future. We offer a chance to grow your skills, take on greater responsibility, and step into new roles within production as we expand. We aim to hire from within whenever possible — strong performers are the first considered for advancement opportunities.

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Health savings account & flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-the-job training & professional development assistance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.