Material Handler (Plastics Manufacturing)

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics is seeking a Material Handler to support safe, efficient production by supplying machines with materials and assisting with changeovers. The role includes basic quality checks, documentation, and helping train new employees.

Key duties include forklift operation, staging materials, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring accurate production tickets. The position requires 12-hour shifts and adherence to safety procedures in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Experience moving raw materials, components, and finished goods.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, bills of materials, and procedures.
• Strong math skills for measuring and calculating quantities.
• Reliable attendance and willingness to work 12-hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklift safely and perform daily inspections.
• Stage materials at machines and verify against work orders.
• Maintain material levels and coordinate changes and setup for changeovers.
• Complete production tickets and document quality checks.
• Support production staff and assist with training as needed.
• Ensure proper cleanup and organization of work areas.

Skills

Forklift operation

Material handling

Reading work orders

Basic math

Team player

Tools

Forklift license

Job description

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Summary

The Material Handler supports safe and efficient production by supplying machines with the correct raw materials, components, and accessories; coordinating material and color changes; moving finished goods and scrap; and completing required production documentation. This position also performs basic quality checks, supports production employees, and helps maintain an orderly manufacturing area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift safely and complete required daily equipment inspections and documentation.
• Successfully complete company material-handler and forklift training and maintain required authorization.
• Stage raw materials, components, and accessories at each machine and verify that all items match the work order and bill of materials.
• Maintain adequate material levels at production equipment to prevent interruptions and support production schedules.
• Prepare machines for efficient changeovers and coordinate material and color changes as assigned.
• Perform routine quality checks and make approved adjustments to process-support equipment within the scope of training.
• Remove unused materials and components from production areas and return them to the appropriate location.
• Verify completed production tickets, including item and quantity information, before moving stacks, pallets, or cages. Correct errors or notify the Production Supervisor promptly.
• Collect required production-ticket copies and submit them to the Production Supervisor at the end of the shift.
• Move finished products to designated staging areas or assigned trailers and shrink-wrap completed pallets of boxes as needed.
• Remove scrap and waste from production areas and handle regrind material according to established procedures.
• Follow Production Ticket Procedure 60034, including required ticket initials for lids and boxes before pallets or cages are moved.
• Provide relief coverage for production employees and assist with training new employees when needed.
• Supply Packers with inventory-control accessories, tools, and other materials needed to perform their work.
• Complete required documentation and product-control activities accurately and on time.
• Follow all safety rules, quality standards, work instructions, and company policies.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least six months of material-handling experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with plastic resin, regrind, or injection-molding materials preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Schaefer Plastics forklift license.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, bills of materials, production tickets, safety rules, and written procedures.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and address routine problems using sound judgment.
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, dependability, and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and provide coverage for the opposite shift when business needs require it.

Core Competencies

• Safety and quality focus
• Dependability and accountability
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork and respectful communication
• Problem-solving and sound judgment
• Initiative and willingness to learn
• Organization and timely documentation

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role requires standing and walking for most of the shift; frequent use of the hands and arms; and regular reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and balancing. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds independently, occasionally handle loads up to 50 pounds, and roll or maneuver loads weighing up to 400 pounds using proper equipment and techniques. The position also requires sufficient vision, hearing, and communication ability to work safely around production equipment.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment around moving mechanical equipment, forklift traffic, vibration, heat, humidity, and loud noise. The employee may occasionally work outdoors or in areas with changing temperatures. The employee must wear required personal protective equipment and follow all safety procedures.

Schedule

This is a full-time, hourly position. The regular schedule may include 12-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and required coverage for another shift based on production needs.

Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.