Technical Material Handler (Plastics Manufacturing)

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC.; Lodi (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC. is seeking a Technical Material Handler to support our manufacturing operations in Lodi, CA. The role emphasizes quality checks, material preparation, and efficient changeovers, with a focus on safety and reliable production flow.

Responsibilities include inspecting forklifts, verifying materials and silos, managing re-grind, supporting color changes, and aiding training while maintaining a clean, safe work area in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Six months of previous material handler experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Forklift certification obtainable as part of role.
• Flexible schedule including 12-hour rotating day/night shifts and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality checks and adjust process equipment as needed.
• Operate and inspect forklift; ensure safety and proper materials handling.
• Prepare materials for changeovers and manage re-grind inventory.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Verify correct materials and silos per machine and monitor color changes.
• Label and store re-grind materials properly; troubleshoot loading systems.
• Support production schedule adjustments and changeovers.

Skills

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Mechanical aptitude

Re-grind knowledge

Forklift certification

Flexible scheduling

Training ability

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 foster personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

SUMMARY

The Technical Material Handler performs quality checks, makes necessary adjustments to process equipment and re-grinds materials.

JOB DUTIES

• Ensures the forklift is fully operational and safe to operate by performing a daily safety inspection.
• Checks machines to verify correct materials are being used and the proper silos are assigned to each machine.
• Reviews production schedule for color and material changes.
• Utilizes the maximum amount of re-grind without negatively impacting quality.
• Prepares materials for efficient changeover.
• Plans color changes and executes with minimal scrap.
• Ensures adequate quantities of re-grind are in machines for processing.
• Removes unused re-grind from the production area, weighs it, tags it, and stores it.
• Removes and cleans vacuum filters daily.
• Utilizes metal Gaylords and dumper.
• Tears down and cleans all hoppers, both volume metric and weigh scale.
• Troubleshoots, repairs, and calibrates loading systems.
• Performs quality checks at prescribed intervals to ensure proper color usage.
• Adjusts process equipment to maintain and improve product quality.
• Ensures containers of reground material are clearly and properly labeled and stored.
• Assists in training new employees.
• Maintains work area in a neat, clean, and safe condition.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Six months of previous material handler experience in a manufacturing environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to obtain a company forklift certificate
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Knowledge of re-grind preferred
• Ability to successfully complete the material handler training program
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible work schedule, including 12-hour rotating day/night shifts and overtime hours

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment where there is exposure to noise, moving mechanical parts, vibration and occasional work in high places
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle and/or feel objects, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, see and hear
• Ability to push, pull, lift, carry or otherwise move up to 35 pounds

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.