Woodworker

Description

Job Description Summary:

The Woodworker supports the U.S. Army Enhanced Army Global Logistics Enterprise (EAGLE) Logistics Support Services contract as a member of the Installation Supply Support Activity (ISSA) Packing and Crating operation. The position is responsible for the inspection, preparation, preservation, packaging, packing, blocking and bracing, and containerization of material being prepared for shipment or storage.

The Woodworker reviews outgoing material to determine whether items are properly preserved, packaged, marked, and otherwise suitable for the intended mode and destination of shipment. When existing packaging is inadequate, damaged, or does not meet applicable requirements, the Woodworker determines and performs the corrective packaging actions necessary to prepare the material for safe transportation.

Woodworking and custom container fabrication are important elements of the position but are not its sole functions. Work may include modifying or reinforcing existing packaging; constructing crates, boxes, skids, pallets, and blocking systems; applying cushioning and protective materials; securing material within containers; and performing other packing and preservation actions required to protect Government property during handling, storage, and transportation.

The Woodworker applies applicable Department of Defense and Army packaging requirements, ASTM standards and specifications, military packaging requirements, technical data, drawings, packaging codes, and work instructions to determine and execute the appropriate packaging method.

Key Responsibilities

• Review material presented to the Packing and Crating section for shipment and assess the adequacy and condition of existing preservation, packaging, packing, cushioning, blocking, bracing, and containers.
• Determine whether material is properly prepared for its intended mode of transportation, destination, handling environment, and storage or transportation conditions.
• Identify packaging deficiencies and perform or recommend corrective actions before material is released for shipment.
• Determine and apply applicable packaging and container construction requirements using prescribed technical data, military packaging requirements, ASTM standards and specifications, packaging codes, drawings, and work instructions.
• Plan, lay out, fabricate, modify, and repair wooden crates, boxes, skids, pallets, braces, supports, and other specialized shipping containers in accordance with the applicable construction specification or packaging requirement.
• Construct wooden shipping containers to specified designs, including containers governed by applicable ASTM standards, such as ASTM D6251 when prescribed, ensuring required materials, dimensions, joints, cleats, fasteners, spacing, and construction methods are properly applied.
• Prepare and pack Government material using appropriate preservation, cushioning, wrapping, packing, blocking, bracing, strapping, securing, and containerization techniques.
• Design and install blocking and bracing arrangements to restrain equipment and material and prevent shifting, movement, impact damage, or other deterioration during handling and transportation.
• Measure equipment and material to determine container dimensions, clearances, blocking locations, and other requirements necessary for safe and effective packing.
• Select appropriate lumber, plywood, panelboard, fasteners, cushioning, barrier materials, strapping, and other packaging materials consistent with the applicable packaging specification.
• Inspect completed containers and packages to verify workmanship and compliance with applicable ASTM, DoD, Army, contract, and technical packaging requirements.
• Inspect wooden packaging materials and ensure applicable Solid Wood Packaging Material (SWPM) requirements are satisfied when required for shipment.
• Verify required markings, labels, identification, and shipment-related packaging documentation prior to release of material.
• Coordinate with ISSA, Transportation, Quality Control, and other supporting personnel when material presents unusual packaging requirements, discrepancies, hazardous characteristics, or other conditions requiring additional technical review.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of military preservation, packaging, packing, cushioning, blocking and bracing, and containerization principles.
• Working knowledge of ASTM standards and specifications applicable to the fabrication and inspection of wooden shipping containers and related packaging.
• Ability to interpret an identified packaging requirement or specification and translate that requirement into the materials, dimensions, cuts, fasteners, assembly methods, and workmanship necessary to produce a compliant shipping container.
• Ability to evaluate existing packaging against applicable requirements and determine whether material may be shipped as presented or requires repacking, reinforcement, preservation, cushioning, blocking and bracing, or container fabrication.
• Knowledge of wooden container construction, including the ability to fabricate boxes, crates, skids, pallets, and blocking systems based upon item size, weight, configuration, handling requirements, and applicable specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret ASTM specifications, technical drawings, diagrams, packaging codes, military packaging requirements, work instructions, and other technical documentation associated with shipment preparation.
• Knowledge of lumber, plywood, panelboard, fasteners, cushioning, barriers, strapping, and other materials used in military and industrial packaging.
• Strong attention to detail when inspecting outgoing material and identifying packaging or shipment-preparation deficiencies.
• Ability to independently resolve routine packaging requirements and elevate unusual, specialized, hazardous, or technically complex requirements for appropriate review.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain a favorable Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) screening and obtain/maintain a DA Form 7708.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Must be able to safely use hand tools and operate Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT) and Material Handling Equipment (MHE).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Forklift Operator Certification and other required functional training.
• Must be able to work in an industrial warehouse environment and lift, carry, push, and pull materials consistent with job requirements.

Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a Department of Defense, Army, military supply, transportation, warehouse, or industrial Packing and Crating operation. 
• Minimum of three (3) years of directly related experience in woodworking, carpentry, industrial packaging, packing and crating, shipping container fabrication, or a closely related trade. Relevant military or vocational experience may be substituted where appropriate.
• Experience interpreting and applying ASTM shipping-container specifications, including standards applicable to wooden boxes, crates, skids, and related packaging.

EEO: WESTECH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WESTECH provides equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. EOE/Minorities/Women/Vet/Disability