The posting
This is a detail-oriented position requiring a dependable associate to steam, shape, inspect, and prepare straw hats and similar products for sale or shipment.
This is a hands-on, physically active position requiring excellent hand coordination, precision, and attention to detail. The associate will learn specialized hat-steaming and shaping techniques to ensure products meet our clients' standards for quality, appearance, and presentation.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys physical, hands-on work, takes pride in doing things correctly, and appreciates a consistent daytime work schedule. The position also offers opportunities to be cross-trained in other aspects of warehouse operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Steam hats using approved equipment and methods to remove creases, restore shape, and improve product appearance.
- Shape and adjust hat crowns and brims by hand or with designated hat forms, following client specifications.
- Apply controlled hand pressure when manipulating delicate straw materials to avoid crushing or deforming products.
- Allow hats to dry and set properly before further handling or packaging.
- Inspect products for damage, discoloration, uneven shaping, loose stitching, and other visible defects.
- Complete detailed finishing tasks, including removing loose threads, checking tags, and adjusting hat bands or decorative trim.
- Sort, count, label, and package finished products according to client instructions.
- Read and follow product labels, specifications, and written instructions to ensure accurate handling of similar-looking merchandise.
- Handle delicate materials carefully to prevent product damage.
- Maintain a clean, organized workstation and follow established procedures when working with steam and heated equipment.
- Meet daily production and quality expectations while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
- Identify and report products requiring additional attention or corrective work.
- Participate in cross-training and perform other warehouse-related responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify subtle differences in product appearance, shape, and quality.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to perform precise, repetitive hand movements.
- Ability to work carefully and consistently with delicate products.
- Sufficient English language proficiency to read and understand written instructions, product labels, and product-specific information in English.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and approved product samples.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately while meeting established production expectations.
- Dependability, punctuality, and commitment to maintaining a consistent work schedule.
- Willingness to learn specialized hat-steaming and shaping techniques and become cross-trained in other warehouse functions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a production team.
- Aligned with Bergen’s How We Work Together Principles including: investing in People Development, creating a Safe Environment, treating others with Respect, being able to work as part of a Team, having Trust in others, having Passion for our work and clients, having good Communication skills and having high Accountability for oneself and others.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in warehouse operations, apparel finishing, garment steaming, product preparation, or quality inspection.
- Experience handling delicate merchandise or performing detailed hands-on work.
- Familiarity with handheld steaming equipment or similar finishing tools.
Previous hat-steaming experience is preferred but not required. Training will be provided.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
This position requires the ability to perform detailed, repetitive, hands-on product preparation activities in a warehouse or production environment.
Standing and Mobility
- Stand and work at a designated workstation for extended periods, potentially throughout most of an eight-hour shift, with scheduled breaks.
- Walk between steaming, shaping, drying, inspection, and packaging stations as needed.
- Bend, stoop, and reach to retrieve hats, tools, materials, and packaging supplies from work surfaces, shelving, or storage containers.
Hand Dexterity and Fine Motor Skills
- Perform precise, controlled movements with fingers, hands, and wrists to shape delicate straw hats without damaging the material.
- Use both hands simultaneously to hold, rotate, manipulate, and reshape hat crowns and brims.
- Apply controlled and consistent finger and hand pressure to adjust product shape while avoiding crushing or deforming straw materials.
- Perform repetitive gripping, pinching, smoothing, pressing, and rotating motions throughout the workday.
- Manipulate small items such as tags, fasteners, hat bands, decorative trim, and loose threads.
- Operate handheld steaming equipment and other approved finishing tools safely and accurately.
Upper Body Movement and Coordination
- Perform frequent, repetitive wrist, hand, and forearm movements during steaming, shaping, inspection, and packaging.
- Extend arms forward and reach across work surfaces to position products and operate equipment.
- Maintain sufficient hand-eye coordination to direct steam accurately and control the positioning of hats during shaping.
- Hold and maneuver steaming equipment for repeated work cycles while maintaining control of its movement and positioning.
Visual Inspection and Attention to Detail
- Visually examine hats at close range to identify creases, discoloration, uneven brims, damaged straw, loose stitching, and other product imperfections.
- Distinguish subtle variations in product shape, texture, alignment, and appearance against approved product samples.
- Inspect small finishing details, labels, tags, and decorative components to ensure accurate placement and presentation.
- Maintain visual concentration during repetitive quality inspection and product preparation activities.
Lifting and Material Handling
- Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects up to 30lbs.- 50lbs with team support as needed.
- Lift, carry, position, and move individual hats, small product batches, and cartons of supplies.
- Move boxes and packaging materials between workstations, shelving, and designated storage areas.
- Push or pull lightweight carts containing products or supplies, when required.
- Use appropriate material-handling equipment or assistance for heavier or bulky items.
Environmental and Equipment Exposure
- Work in proximity to steam, moisture, hot surfaces, and heated equipment.
- Follow established safety procedures to minimize the risk of burns, contact injuries, and product damage.
- Safely operate steaming equipment while maintaining control of the product and tools.
- Perform repetitive production activities in a warehouse or product-finishing environment.
- Maintain the physical coordination and attention necessary to handle delicate products and heated equipment safely.
Work Schedule and Attendance
- Full-time position with a consistent Monday–Friday daytime schedule.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to meeting daily production requirements.
- Access to reliable transportation.
- Candidates must be able to report to the assigned work location consistently and on time.
- Employees may be cross-trained and assigned to other warehouse functions based on operational needs.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, ancillary benefits
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
- 401(k) match
- PTO, Sick time, paid holidays
- Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pay Range: $15.00 - $16.00
*Bergen Logistics, in good faith, has assessed this posted range of compensation as the accurate range for this role and location at the time of this posting. Bergen Logistics may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range depending on candidate qualifications. This range may be modified in the future.
