Press Assistant

Location: Gardner, MA
Pay: $18.00–$21.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time

Support the Press. Build Your Skills.

Seaman Paper is a global manufacturer of sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions. Family-owned and headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, we've been manufacturing in Massachusetts since 1946 and continue to grow our operations around the world.

We're looking for dependable and motivated Press Assistants to join our manufacturing team in Gardner, MA. You'll work alongside Press Operators to prepare materials, maintain equipment, support production, and help produce high-quality printed products.

This is a great opportunity for someone with manufacturing experience who enjoys hands-on work and wants to build their skills in press operation. We have opportunities for both experienced and entry-level candidates.

What You'll Do

• Help prepare printing presses for production according to customer and job specifications.
• Prepare and retrieve inks needed for production and verify ink colors against press samples.
• Test ink viscosity using flow rate testing and communicate any issues to the Press Operator.
• Assist with loading and unloading paper and other raw materials.
• Monitor ink usage and assist the Press Operator during production.
• Perform routine press cleaning and maintenance.
• Remove, clean, and reinstall ink supply and recovery components.
• Use approved cleaning materials and follow proper safety procedures when cleaning press components.
• Communicate outstanding production, packing, or shipping issues between shifts.
• Return tools and equipment to their designated locations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE requirements.
• Support other production activities and tasks as assigned.

Who We're Looking For

• Previous manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Experience safely operating motorized equipment, such as hand trucks, is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working around machinery and in a fast-paced production environment.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and willing to learn.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and ability to work closely with Press Operators and other team members.

Why Join Seaman Paper?

• Competitive pay — $18.00–$21.00 per hour.
• Hands-on training — Learn press operations, production processes, and manufacturing skills.
• Growth opportunity — Build experience that can lead to additional responsibilities and career growth within manufacturing.
• Stable company — Join a family-owned organization with a long history of success.
• Meaningful work — Help produce sustainable paper and packaging products used by customers around the world.
• Team environment — Work alongside experienced production professionals who value safety and quality.
• Comprehensive benefits — Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Company-Funded HRA Contributions, Company-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, and Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Coverage.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is a hands-on manufacturing position. The role requires standing and walking throughout the shift, working on concrete floors, climbing stairs, and working around continuous machine noise and moving equipment.

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk throughout the production facility for extended periods.
• Work safely around fast-moving machinery and production equipment.
• Occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Safely use production tools and equipment.
• Work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and a job-related physical examination. The physical examination will assess the candidate's ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

All pre-employment screening will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts laws and company policies.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Seaman Paper is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs.

Ready to Join the Team?

If you're dependable, safety-focused, and interested in building your manufacturing skills, apply today and become part of the Seaman Paper team!

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time based on business needs.