Framer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framer

Company: Koppers Inc.

Location: Kennedy, AL, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Manufacturing & Trades

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the hands-on production and preparation of utility poles, ensuring they meet stringent quality benchmarks and customer specifications within a manufacturing environment.

• Responsibilities include the safe and efficient operation of various industrial equipment and hand tools, requiring a strong emphasis on safety compliance and attention to detail.

• The Framer will be integral to the material handling and processing workflow, contributing directly to the final product quality and production throughput.

• This position demands physical stamina and a willingness to work in diverse outdoor weather conditions, adhering to strict safety and quality management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Manufacturing & Trades, focusing on direct production responsibilities rather than typical Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM functions. The description emphasizes physical labor, equipment operation, and adherence to established quality and safety protocols.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Operate all assigned equipment safely and appropriately to prepare utility poles according to Koppers quality standards and customer specifications.

• Handle materials with care to prevent damage, breakage, and ensure product integrity throughout the preparation process.

• Utilize various hand tools, industrial drills, chainsaws, and portable planers to shape and prepare poles as required.

• Accurately brand customer information onto poles, ensuring correct identification and compliance.

• Perform minor maintenance and ensure proper performance of tools and equipment used in daily operations.

• Safely place steel beams between layers of poles during loading processes for dry kiln operations.

• Execute various manual labor tasks efficiently and effectively to support production flow.

• Strictly adhere to all safety regulations and requirements to maintain Zero Harm compliance across the work site.

• Comply with the KUIP ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ensuring role competency and contributing to team adherence to documented training and process compliance.

• Perform other work-related duties as assigned by supervisors to support overall operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are centered on direct manufacturing tasks, including equipment operation, material handling, and manual labor. The emphasis on safety (Zero Harm) and quality management (ISO 9001) highlights the structured operational environment within Koppers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience: Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply; prior experience in a hands-on production or manufacturing environment is beneficial but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• Willingness to engage in hands-on physical production work.

• Ability to work effectively in all outdoor weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold environments.

• Physical capacity to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Proficiency in basic hand tool usage.

• Demonstrated attention to detail in task execution.

• Commitment to working safely and following all established safety protocols.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience operating industrial drills, chainsaws, or portable planers.

• Familiarity with material handling techniques in a production setting.

• Previous experience with quality management systems, such as ISO 9001.

• Basic mechanical aptitude for minor equipment maintenance.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes related to wood treatment or utility pole production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are geared towards practical, on-the-job skills and physical capabilities rather than specialized technical expertise typically found in operations roles like Revenue Operations or Sales Operations. The preference for a high school diploma and willingness for physical work aligns with an entry-level, hands-on manufacturing position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio is not typically required for this entry-level production role, candidates may be asked to demonstrate their understanding of process adherence and safety through discussion or practical demonstration.

• Any prior documentation of process improvements or safety initiatives (even informal) could be advantageous.

Process Documentation:

• The role requires strict adherence to documented safety procedures and quality management system protocols (KUIP ISO 9001).

• Understanding and following work instructions for equipment operation, material handling, and pole preparation are critical.

• Compliance with Koppers' Zero Harm safety initiative and associated documentation is mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unlike operations roles that require detailed process documentation and system implementation portfolios, this Framer position focuses on adherence to established procedures and safety protocols. The emphasis is on practical execution rather than strategic process design or system deployment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For an entry-level Framer position in Kennedy, AL, based on industry benchmarks for manufacturing and skilled trades, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $30,000 and $40,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, overtime, and performance.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status often includes a comprehensive benefits package.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation days and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for overtime pay, increasing earning potential.

• Company-provided safety equipment and work attire.

Working Hours: Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch break. Production requirements may necessitate adjustments to these hours, including potential overtime and occasional weekend work. Work schedules may also be impacted by inclement weather due to the outdoor nature of the work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical entry-level manufacturing/trades roles in rural Alabama. Benefits information is standard for full-time positions in industrial companies. The working hours clearly indicate a structured, on-site schedule with potential for extended hours due to production needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Koppers Inc. operates within the chemicals and materials manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on treated wood products for infrastructure, including utility poles, railroad ties, and residential lumber. This industry requires a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.

Company Size: Koppers Inc. is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals globally. This size suggests a structured corporate environment with established policies, procedures, and opportunities for advancement within various departments.

Founded: Koppers was founded in 1912. Its long history indicates stability, extensive experience in its core business, and a deep understanding of the treated wood products market.

Team Structure:

• The Framer will likely be part of a production team within a larger manufacturing facility.

• This team will consist of other skilled and semi-skilled laborers, supervisors, and potentially quality control personnel.

Methodology:

• Koppers emphasizes a "Zero Harm" safety culture, prioritizing employee well-being and accident prevention through rigorous training and adherence to safety protocols.

• The company follows the KUIP ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ensuring consistent product quality and operational efficiency through standardized processes and continuous improvement.

• Production methodology involves precise material handling, equipment operation, and adherence to customer-specific requirements for treated wood products.

Company Website: https://www.koppers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Koppers' established position in the treated wood products industry and its commitment to safety and quality. The team structure points to a collaborative production environment, typical of large manufacturing operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the foundational, entry-level in a production or manufacturing career path. It is focused on direct labor and task execution within established operational frameworks.

Reporting Structure: The Framer will report to a Production Supervisor or Team Lead, who oversees daily operations, assigns tasks, and ensures compliance with safety and quality standards.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in GTM strategy or revenue generation, the Framer's role is critical to the company's operational efficiency and product quality. Producing high-quality utility poles directly supports Koppers' ability to serve its infrastructure clients, impacting customer satisfaction and the company's reputation in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to gain proficiency in operating various industrial tools and equipment, enhancing manual dexterity and technical skills.

• Advancement: Potential to advance to more senior production roles, such as Equipment Operator, Lead Hand, or Supervisor, with demonstrated performance, reliability, and leadership potential.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other areas of the production facility to broaden operational knowledge and versatility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are focused on progression within the manufacturing and trades sector, emphasizing skill acquisition and advancement within the production hierarchy, rather than moving into traditional operations management or strategic GTM roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a production and outdoor manufacturing environment, not an office setting. The work is performed primarily on the plant floor and in outdoor areas where utility poles are processed and stored.

Office Location(s): The work location is at the Koppers facility in Kennedy, AL. This site is dedicated to the production and treatment of wood products.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is dynamic and physically demanding, involving exposure to varying weather conditions, industrial machinery, and raw materials.

• Employees are provided with necessary safety equipment and may have access to common break areas and facilities.

• Collaboration with team members and supervisors is frequent, essential for task coordination and safety oversight.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is structured with set hours, but flexibility is required to accommodate production demands, which may include overtime or adjustments due to weather or operational needs. This requires adaptability from employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is clearly defined as an industrial, outdoor production setting, emphasizing the physical demands and weather exposure inherent to the role, distinct from typical office-based operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• On-site Interview: A meeting with the hiring supervisor or HR representative to discuss experience, skills, and cultural fit. This may include a walk-through of the production area to understand the work environment.

• Practical Assessment (Potential): Candidates may be asked to demonstrate basic tool handling or physical capabilities relevant to the role.

• Reference Checks: Verification of previous employment and work ethic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For this role, a traditional portfolio is not expected. Instead, focus on clearly articulating your experience with:
  • Safety Compliance: Provide specific examples of how you have followed safety rules or contributed to a safe work environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Describe situations where your attention to detail prevented errors or improved quality.
  • Teamwork: Share experiences working effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
  • Physical Stamina: Be prepared to discuss your ability to handle physically demanding work and adverse weather conditions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to safety, quality, and teamwork in a production setting.

• Think about situations where you had to adapt to changing work demands or overcome a physical challenge.

• Be ready to explain why you are interested in this specific type of hands-on work at Koppers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is geared towards assessing practical skills, safety awareness, and suitability for a physically demanding production role, rather than strategic operations thinking or data analysis capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Hand Tools: Various types of wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, etc., for general tasks and minor repairs.

• Industrial Drills: Power tools for creating holes in wood.

• Chainsaws: For cutting and shaping wooden poles.

• Portable Planer: Equipment used to flatten surfaces on poles.

• Branding Tools: Implements used to mark customer information onto poles.

• Material Handling Equipment: May include forklifts, pallet jacks, or manual aids for moving materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Interaction with production management systems may occur for task tracking or reporting, but direct system administration or complex automation is not part of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is entirely focused on industrial equipment and basic hand tools used in a manufacturing context. There is no overlap with the software and systems typically managed by Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM professionals (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, BI tools).

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, reflected in the "Zero Harm" initiative, requiring constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.

• Quality: Commitment to meeting Koppers' high standards and customer specifications for all treated wood products.

• Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support among team members are essential for efficient production and a positive work environment.

• Reliability: Dependability in attendance, punctuality, and task completion is crucial for maintaining production schedules.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work in various conditions and adapt to changing production demands or schedules.

Collaboration Style:

• A hands-on, direct communication style is typical on the production floor.

• Team members work closely together, assisting each other with tasks and ensuring smooth workflow transitions.

• Supervisors provide clear direction and feedback, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are deeply rooted in industrial best practices, emphasizing safety, quality, and practical collaboration essential for a production environment. This contrasts with the data-driven, strategic collaboration often found in GTM operations teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Physical Demands: The role requires significant physical exertion, including lifting, carrying, and standing for extended periods in potentially challenging weather.

• Repetitive Tasks: Some tasks may be repetitive, requiring sustained focus and diligence.

• Weather Dependency: Outdoor work means exposure to heat, cold, and precipitation, which can impact comfort and work schedules.

• Safety Risks: Working with heavy machinery and tools inherently involves safety risks that require constant awareness and adherence to protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunity to become proficient in operating specialized industrial equipment and tools.

• Safety Training: Continuous learning and reinforcement of safety procedures and best practices.

• Production Process Knowledge: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the utility pole production and treatment lifecycle.

• Potential for Advancement: Developing the skills and work ethic necessary for promotion to more senior roles within the production facility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are practical and physical, typical of manufacturing roles. Growth opportunities are defined within the scope of production and trades, focusing on skill acquisition and internal advancement within the operational hierarchy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work in difficult weather conditions. How did you manage?" (Assesses adaptability and resilience)

• "How do you ensure you are working safely when operating machinery or handling materials?" (Evaluates safety consciousness and adherence to protocols)

• "Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to complete a difficult task." (Probes teamwork and collaboration skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Koppers and our products?" (Tests basic company research)

• "How do you feel about our Zero Harm safety culture?" (Assesses alignment with company values)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since a formal portfolio isn't required, prepare to discuss your work history and skills using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

• Be ready to provide concrete examples of your attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and commitment to safety.

• Highlight any experience with physical labor, tool operation, or working in team environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to assess practical skills, safety awareness, teamwork, and suitability for a physically demanding production role, not GTM strategy or operations management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Framer position:

• Submit your application through the Koppers careers portal at https://koppers.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Koppers.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights any experience with physical labor, equipment operation, manual tasks, adherence to safety procedures, and teamwork. Use keywords such as "material handling," "hand tools," "production," "safety compliance," and "team collaboration."

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about your work ethic, ability to follow instructions, safety awareness, and experience working in a team. Have specific examples ready to illustrate these points.

• Research Koppers: Familiarize yourself with Koppers' products, their commitment to safety (Zero Harm), and their role in the infrastructure industry. This demonstrates genuine interest.

• Understand the Role: Be prepared to discuss why you are suited for a hands-on, outdoor production role and your ability to meet the physical demands and work schedule requirements.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Koppers Inc. before making application decisions.