Launch Your Career: Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) at the GPO
The Government Publishing Office (GPO) is currently seeking a diligent and skilled individual to join our team as a Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) in Washington, D.C. This role is essential for our operations, ensuring that the critical information handled by the GPO is securely and efficiently managed. If you are looking for a stable federal career that values hard work, safety, and operational excellence, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As a Materials Handler, you will be the backbone of our secure shipping and inventory operations. Your daily tasks will include:
- Equipment Operation: Safely operating high-lift fork trucks and low-lift walkers to load, unload, and stack materials.
- Inventory Oversight: Verifying goods for signs of deterioration, infestation, or damage and ensuring accurate identification of stocks.
- Maintenance: Performing daily safety inspections and maintenance on warehouse equipment.
- Production Support: Reading work orders to determine necessary supplies and operating machinery such as the Briquetter.
Requirements
You must be able to demonstrate your ability to work without extensive supervision in a fast-paced environment. Key requirements include:
- Proven experience with forklift operation and general warehouse safety.
- Proficiency in packing, labeling, and weighing procedures.
- Ability to perform data entry tasks on a PC terminal.
- Passing a background investigation for a Secret Clearance.
Skills Comparison Table
| Skill Category | Expected Competency |
|---|---|
| Material Handling | High proficiency in heavy equipment operation |
| Data Accuracy | Maintaining detailed shipping logs and PC entries |
| Safety Compliance | Strict adherence to OSHA and GPO internal regulations |
| Team Collaboration | Effective communication in a production setting |
Salary and Benefits
- Hourly Wage: $31.96 – $34.62 per hour.
- Schedule: Consistent 4/10 schedule (40 hours per week) Monday through Thursday.
- Benefits: Access to federal transit subsidies for commuters and comprehensive federal employment benefits.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is limited to two pages and focuses on your concrete results rather than a list of duties. Be sure to provide clear, accurate contact information and verify that all employment entries include the total hours worked per week.
The role of a Printing Plant Worker at the GPO is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the preservation and distribution of vital government information. If you possess the required skills and are ready to join a world-class federal agency, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) Job Matters
Join the Government Publishing Office as a Materials Handler and play a vital role in our high-speed printing and distribution operations in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) Job Overview
The Government Publishing Office (GPO) is seeking a motivated Printing Plant Worker to join our Secure Shipping and Inventory Office. In this essential role, you will support our mission by managing materials, operating heavy machinery, and ensuring the accurate flow of critical government publications. If you are detail-oriented and thrive in a fast-paced production environment, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most significant digital information facilities.
Requirements for Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler)
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
- Previous experience operating forklifts, floor sweepers, and other material handling equipment.
- Proficiency in shipping and receiving tasks, including wrapping, labeling, packing, and weighing items.
- Demonstrated experience with PC-based data entry.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation for a Secret Clearance.
- Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly workspace.
- Compliance with all drug testing requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler)
- Experience in complex, high-volume warehousing environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of inventory verification techniques.
- A strong history of workplace safety and equipment maintenance adherence.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee transit subsidy for public transportation.
- ✓Stable federal employment within the Legislative Branch.
- ✓Structured 4/10 work schedule (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am - 5:30pm).
- ✓Access to comprehensive federal health and retirement programs.
💡 How to Apply Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Printing Plant Worker (Materials Handler) Job
- Review the occupational questionnaire and prepare your responses.
- Draft a concise, two-page resume highlighting your relevant accomplishments and results.
- Gather supporting documentation, including SF-50 forms and recent performance appraisals if you are a federal employee.
- Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through the online application tracking system.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly limited to two pages.
- Quantify your accomplishments; instead of listing duties, describe the results of your work.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Upload your documents well in advance of the deadline to account for the mandatory virus scanning process.
- Always upload the final version of your resume, as the system only considers the last document uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This position operates on a 4/10 schedule, meaning you will work four 10-hour days from Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 5:30pm.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, all selected applicants must successfully complete a background investigation to obtain a Secret Clearance.
Can I use education to qualify for this job?
No, for this specific grade level, experience and hands-on training are required; education cannot be substituted for experience.
What happens if I make a mistake on my application?
*A: You should ensure all documentation is correct before submission. There is a reconsideration process for eligible applicants, but it is best to review instructions carefully the first time.*
Are there relocation benefits?
*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*
Job from Government Publishing Office
Established in 1861, the GPO is a cornerstone of American government transparency. We are one of the largest digital information facilities in the world, transforming the way government content is printed, published, stored, and distributed. Our employees are passionate about their craft—from putting ink on paper to engineering the digital delivery of information online.