Production Assistant

The Production Assistant supports Grunt Style garment decoration operations by blending key responsibilities from Printing, Quality Control, Finishing, and Material Handling roles. This is a cross-functional position that focuses on production tasks, efficient material movement, and supporting press operators and the finishing team to maintain a steady and high-quality production flow. This role requires adaptability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail.

In this role, you will be expected to assist with material prep and flow, operate heat presses and finishing equipment, monitor print quality, and keep production areas clean and organized. You’ll play a critical part in staging and replenishing materials for the press teams, assisting in daily production operations, tracking workflow using barcodes or tablets, and performing final product inspections. This position provides hands-on exposure to DTG and screen printing production, and helping the business meet daily output goals.

Reports to: Production Operations Manager

Shift: 2nd (3pm-11pm)

Pay type: Hourly

Rate: $17/hr (plus $1/hr shift differential)

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Fold, finish, and package printed apparel for shipment or inventory, meeting daily production quotas
• Operate heat presses to apply collar/sleeve decorations, ensuring proper placement and dwell time
• Pick and stage blank garments, transfers, and job materials accurately using barcode scanners
• Replenish ink, pretreatment, and consumables for DTG presses as directed by operators
• Keep press stations stocked with screens, squeegees, and garments for screen printing support
• Track and update job progress using barcode scanners or tablets
• Help setup and break down press stations (i.e., cleaning platens, prepping tools)
• Sort completed garments and route them to the next department or holding area
• Remove scrap and manage waste bins following shop protocols
• Assist with cycle counts and restocking shelves to support accurate inventory
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, and labeling inbound goods for production
• Maintain proper storage of transfers, screens, and job-specific accessories
• Support press operators by catching misprints, replacing blanks, or swapping supplies on the fly
• Move completed work to finishing or packing zones using carts and labeling systems

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Ensure garments meet visual and quality standards before being passed to the next stage
• Prioritize accuracy and completeness in material handling to avoid workflow delays
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, especially around high-heat and heavy equipment
• Report any material shortages, misprints, or equipment malfunctions promptly
• Rotate between areas (material flow, QC, finishing) as needed to support overall production goals
• Be proactive—anticipate what the press operator needs next and prepare accordingly
• Communicate clearly with team members, especially during high-volume production
• Support a culture of quality and consistency by flagging anything that doesn’t look right
• Take ownership of your station—reset, clean, and restock it at the end of each shift
• Stay alert and adaptable to help redirect work during shifting priorities or unexpected issues
• Maintain a positive attitude under pressure and be a supportive presence on the floor

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Additionally, while performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to warm or cold weather. The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time; work in and around a variety of industrial machinery and presses; bend over, squat, or climb.
• Able to frequently move and lift up to 40 lbs when necessary
• Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Good hand eye coordination
• Excellent vision including ability to adjust focus, close vision, distant vision, color awareness, and attention to small details.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively listen and follow instructions.
• Solid problem solving skills
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in common units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Desire to create quality products
• Must comply with any company policy of wearing personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, etc. where required
• Must be available to work hours and days as needed based on changing schedule demands, including overtime. Schedules and shifts may change throughout the year. Schedule requirements may include working days, afternoons, nights, 1st shift, 2nd shift, or weekends as needed.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED (General Education Degree)

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. The employee will be expected to perform other duties as needed.