Machine Operator - Nights

Quick Plug; Canada; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Quick Plug Canada is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to run slurry-forming and bonding equipment at the St. Catharines plant, producing bonded growing media plugs for horticulture.

You will be responsible for line startup, ongoing quality checks, and hands‑on maintenance, including clearing mud slurry from machine components. Afternoon shift 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Monday to Thursday (4-day work week). Optional overtime shifts available on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a manufacturing setting with continuous-process or batch operations.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Basic computer literacy for PLC interfaces and production logs.
• Fluent English for safety instructions and shift handoffs.
• On-site, Ontario plant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Start and stage the production line to meet run times with pre-run checks.
• Monitor slurry, binder mixing, and bonding quality for consistency.
• Inspect finished plugs for defects and report to Leads.
• Clean machine components according to the cleaning schedule.
• Track material usage and flag shortages to avoid line stalls.
• Report maintenance issues to Operators Leads immediately.
• Follow GMP and food safety protocols; wear required PPE.
• Maintain defect/scrap rate at or below targets.
• Cross-train on an additional specialty machine and run it independently.
• Assist onboarding of new operators with cleaning/mud-clearing technique.

Skills

Manual labor

PLC interfaces

English fluency

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PLC equipment

Conveyor systems

Bonding equipment

Job description

Salary Range: CA$18.00 To CA$25.00 Hourly

Role Summary

Machine Operator running slurry-forming and bonding equipment at Quick Plug Canada's St. Catharines plant, producing bonded growing media plugs for horticulture. Responsible for line startup, continuous quality monitoring, and hands‑on equipment upkeep, including clearing accumulated mud/dirt slurry from machine components.

Shift: Afternoon shift, 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Monday to Thursday (4-day work week). Optional overtime shifts available on Fridays.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Start up and stage the production line to hit scheduled run time, including pre‑run checks on PLCs and automated forming equipment
• Feed and monitor the dirt/peat slurry and binder mixing process, watching for inconsistent bonding, incomplete cure, or off‑spec plug density
• Continuously inspect finished plugs for defects (weak bonding, mud clumping, size/shape deviation) and report to Leads
• Clean and clear designated machine components per the posted cleaning schedule, including shoveling out mud and dirt slurry residue that builds up in feed hoppers, mixing chambers, and conveyor sections
• Track packaging material usage and flag shortages to Supervisor before they stall the line
• Report maintenance issues (mechanical wear, PLC faults, sensor errors) to Operating Leads immediately, not at end of shift
• Follow GMP and Food Safety protocols on any shared lines, plus isocyanate‑specific PPE and handling procedures (respirator, hazmat suit, gloves, safety glasses)
• Maintain a defect/scrap rate at or below plant target through consistent slurry‑mix and bonding‑quality checks
• Complete cross‑training on at least one additional specialty machine and be able to run it without supervision
• Contribute to reducing unplanned downtime tied to slurry buildup/clogging by following (and suggesting improvements to) the cleaning schedule
• Support onboarding of new operators on assigned machines, including hands‑on training on proper cleaning/mud‑clearing technique to prevent equipment jams

Required Experience

• 5+ years in a manufacturing environment, ideally with continuous‑process or batch‑mixing equipment
• Hands‑on comfort with manual, physically demanding labor: standing, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs, shoveling/clearing material buildup
• Basic computer literacy sufficient for PLC interfaces and digital production logs
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
• Fluent spoken/written English sufficient for safety instructions and shift handoffs

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience with PLCs and automated/robotic production equipment
• Mechanical aptitude and machine setup/changeover experience
• Exposure to slurry, binder, resin, or chemical‑mix processes (isocyanate, polyurethane, or similar) — understands why containment and PPE compliance matter, not just that it's required
• Valid forklift license
• Prior experience training or leading other operators on a specialty machine
• On‑site only, St. Catharines, Ontario plant — not remote‑eligible
• Manufacturing floor environment: moderate‑to‑high noise, temperature swings, airborne dust/organic particulate
• Required PPE: respirator, hazmat suit, safety glasses, gloves
• Physically demanding: standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting to 50 lbs, and manual clearing of mud/slurry buildup
• Overtime required as production schedules demand