About Schaefer Plastics

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices toward 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 expectations at every turn. As a global injection molding manufacturer, we produce durable waste and recycling carts and pioneer reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making Schaefer Plastics an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Summary

The Technical Material Handler is responsible for supporting production by ensuring the correct materials, colors, silos, regrind, and loading systems are prepared and maintained for efficient processing. This role involves material handling, quality checks, equipment adjustments, housekeeping, and troubleshooting related to material flow, color changes, and regrind use.

This position plays an important role in reducing scrap, supporting efficient changeovers, maintaining proper material identification, and ensuring production areas remain organized, safe, and supplied.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure the correct material is being used and the proper silo is assigned to each machine.
• Review production schedules for upcoming color and material changes.
• Prepare materials for efficient changeovers.
• Plan and execute color changes with minimal scrap.
• Maximize the use of regrind while maintaining product quality standards.
• Ensure adequate quantities of regrind are available at the machines for processing.
• Remove unused regrind from the production area, weigh it, tag it, and store it properly.
• Ensure all containers of reground material are clearly and properly identified.
• Ensure all reground material is stored correctly.
• Keep colors and materials separated by type whenever possible.
• Remove and clean vacuum filters daily.
• Tear down and clean all hoppers, including volumetric and weigh-scale hoppers.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate loading systems.
• Perform audits to ensure proper color usage.
• Use metal gaylords and dumper equipment as required.
• Clean, break down, and store empty gaylords and lids in designated racks before the end of each shift.
• Re-weigh and re-tag all material removed from machines, including regrind and color, before staging.
• Ensure the forklift is fully functional and in safe operating condition.
• Successfully complete required material handler and forklift training programs.
• Assist with general housekeeping throughout the production area.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties as assigned.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Provide possible backfill support for Manufacturing Material Handler duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months of material handling experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Knowledge of regrind materials preferred.
• Technical aptitude and mechanical troubleshooting ability strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills required.
• Must be able to obtain a Schaefer Plastics forklift license.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts.
• Must be available for mandatory coverage on opposite shifts when necessary.
• Must be able to work safely around moving mechanical parts and manufacturing equipment.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability.
• Dependability, punctuality, and accountability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safety, housekeeping, and proper equipment use.
• Willingness to learn, train, and support continuous improvement.

Language, Math, and Reasoning Ability

Language Ability:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with employees and small groups.

Math Ability:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, and visually inspect documents, materials, and equipment. The employee may also be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must be able to lift up to 35 pounds regularly and may occasionally be required to lift heavier materials with proper assistance or equipment.

Work Environment

This position works in a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, loud noise, heat, cold, humidity, outdoor weather conditions, and areas requiring heightened safety awareness. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Schaefer Plastics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.