Lead Production Operator

About Us Smart Carts of Maine designs and manufactures premium garden carts, utility carts, raised garden beds, planters, and outdoor products that are sold across North America. Unlike many manufacturers, we build high-quality products in Maine using a team-oriented approach where every employee has the opportunity to learn multiple skills and make a meaningful impact on the success of the business. We're looking for someone who enjoys working with their hands, takes pride in producing quality work, and naturally takes ownership of keeping production moving safely and efficiently. Position Summary The Lead Production Operator is a working leader who spends the majority of the day building products and packing products alongside the production team while helping ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently. This is not a desk job or a management position. Approximately 80-90% of the role involves hands-on production, with the remaining time focused on helping organize work, maintaining quality standards, ensuring workstations are properly set up, and keeping production flowing. The ideal candidate is someone who requires minimal supervision, can independently complete work orders from start to finish, and helps solve problems before they become issues. Responsibilities Manufacture and assemble cedar garden products Set up and operate woodworking equipment including saws, drills, and other fabrication equipment Read and complete production work orders accurately Set up production stations and verify that workstations are properly prepared before production begins Help ensure quality control procedures are consistently followed Promote and model safe work practices Keep work areas clean, organized, and efficient Identify production issues and resolve routine problems independently Move to the next production priority without waiting for direction Cross-train on multiple production processes and assist wherever needed Support and assist other production employees with questions and proper procedures Communicate production or quality issues to the Plant Manager when needed What We're Looking For Experience operating woodworking or light manufacturing equipment Ability to read and follow written and verbal work instructions Strong attention to detail Excellent work ethic and reliability Self-motivated and able to work independently Comfortable taking ownership of assigned work Positive attitude and willingness to help teammates succeed Commitment to producing high-quality work Ability to safely lift materials required for the position Preferred Experience Manufacturing or fabrication experience Experience setting up production workstations Experience training or mentoring coworkers Experience working from production schedules or work orders Experience identifying and correcting quality issues Success in this role means taking ownership. When one job is complete, you know what comes next. You notice when quality is slipping. You correct issues before they become problems. You help keep the shop organized and production moving without waiting to be told every step. Benefits: Employee discount Paid time off Work Location: In person