Material Handler/QA Technician Full Time

At Ice River Sustainable Solutions – Blue Mountain Plastics Inc., our employees have incredible opportunities to work for an organization that is known for our forward-thinking innovation and eco-friendly design in products and packaging.

Our culture is inclusive, supportive, and encourages learning and development to support internal career advancement opportunities. We are problem solvers who find fulfillment and reward in making impossible possible. We are hands-on, focused, and committed to always being a part of something bigger.

If you are creative, passionate and enjoy working in a collaborative environment we would like to hear from you.

Blue Mountain Plastics Inc. is currently looking for twenty (20) Material Handler/QA Technician (NOC 75101) to join our team. You will be working at our Shelburne facility, located at 485387 30 Sideroad, Shelburne Ontario L9V 3N5.

These are full-time positions, based on 88 hours of work per 2-week cycle, with occasional overtime. At this time, we are only looking for individuals who can work a 12-hour rotating continental shift, including nights and weekends.

Position Summary
A Production Operator (Material Handler/QA Technician) is responsible for sorting products on the production line, operating forklifts to move materials, ensuring quality assurance compliance, and performing equipment calibration. The operator is also tasked with data interpretation, software interfacing, and maintaining accurate records. Working as part of a team, the operator focuses on meeting production goals while maintaining safety, efficiency, and quality standards.

Duties include the following:
• Efficiently and accurately sort plastic materials in a high-volume environment, ensuring proper categorization by resin type, contamination levels, and other predefined specifications to support downstream processing and quality assurance.
• Safely operate a variety of forklifts, including those with specialized attachments such as clamps, to handle and move materials around the production area. This includes precise maneuvering within confined spaces, observing load limits, and adhering to protocols to prevent material damage or spills.
• Interface with production management software (e.g., Presage) and other digital systems to input, track, and verify production metrics. Ensure data integrity by performing routine checks, identifying inconsistencies, and updating entries in real-time to support accurate production reporting and analysis.
• Utilize analytical skills to interpret production data, identifying patterns, inefficiencies, and potential improvements. Make data-driven recommendations to enhance the efficiency of sorting, increase output quality, and reduce waste. Collaborate with team leaders to implement optimized workflows.
• Conduct both objective and subjective quality checks on materials, equipment, and processes. This includes performing visual inspections, using precision instruments for measurements, and adhering to quality protocols. Log and report findings to ensure compliance with operational standards and product specifications.
• Perform thorough equipment checks on sophisticated sorting machinery, including calibration of high-value equipment like Sesotec, Amut, and STF process lines. This includes verifying calibration settings, aligning sensors, and performing preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure peak performance.
• Actively work with team members and supervisors to address and resolve production challenges, communicate bottlenecks, and strategize on immediate action plans to meet and exceed production targets.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meticulously and adhere to established safety guidelines to minimize risk. This includes participating in safety drills, identifying potential hazards, and consistently using protective equipment.
• Generate and validate shipping documentation, such as Bills of Lading (BOLs), to ensure proper labeling, documentation, and compliance with shipping and regulatory standards for safe and accurate distribution of sorted materials.
• Conduct scheduled inspections and basic maintenance on sorting and other production equipment, identifying wear and tear or malfunction indicators, and coordinating with maintenance teams as necessary to ensure equipment reliability.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support production operations, maintaining a flexible approach to work within a dynamic production environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who meets the following minimum requirements:
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on specific tasks and collaboratively within a small team to achieve production goals in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
• Certified and experienced in operating various forklifts, including models equipped with clamps, with a strong emphasis on safety protocols, efficient loading techniques, and adherence to load capacities.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for data tracking, reporting, and analysis, with the ability to quickly learn and utilize industry-specific software (e.g., Presage) for operational data management.
• Competent in interpreting production data, identifying operational trends, and providing insights to improve sorting efficiency, production speed, and material quality.
• Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, including experience with calibration tools and procedures to maintain sorting equipment’s accuracy and reliability.
• Familiarity with PET material handling, recycling processes, and industry-specific standards for processing and sorting recycled materials.
• Experienced in following shipping protocols, generating, reviewing, and organizing shipping documentation (BOLs), and ensuring compliance with transport and regulatory standards.
• At least one year of experience in the recycling industry preferred; previous manufacturing experience is beneficial.

Compensation
We offer a generous compensation package, which includes:

• Starting wage of $24.50 – $25.40 per hour, less applicable statutory deductions and withholdings. Following completion of your 3-month probation period, your hourly rate will increase by $0.25.
• Employees are eligible to earn a Line Efficiency (LEF) Bonus upon achieving a series of criteria as outlined in the LEF Bonus Program. Details of this program are subject to change.
• Goal 1 – Shift achieves 85% LEF each operator receives $10
• Goal 2 – Shift achieves 90% LEF each operator receives $15
• Goal 3 – Shift achieves 95% LEF each operator receives $20
• Overtime will be paid at 1.5 time your regular hourly rate, after 88 hours worked in a 2-week work cycle.
• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• Extended medical, dental, and long-term disability insurance.
• Participation in our retirement savings plan.
• Inbound transportation costs for out of province applicants
• Private health care insurance coverage for out of province applicants (equal to the Ontario provincial health insurance plan) until such a time that the applicant is eligible for Ontario provincial health insurance
• Eligible for incremental raises in accordance with standard company policies

Working Environment and Physical Demands
• Shift-work, including at night and on weekends required.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of materials, products, and goods up to 50 pounds or more.
• Standing and walking for extended periods on hard surfaces.
• Regular bending, stooping, and reaching to handle equipment and materials.
• Using manual dexterity for operating machinery controls, tools, and computer systems.
• Good visual and auditory acuity to monitor equipment and detect malfunctions.
• Operating forklifts and machinery requires coordination, balance, and adherence to safety protocols.
• PPE use.
The work environment and physical demands detailed above are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Apply
If you are interested in the position, and meet all of our qualifications, please send a copy of your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter must specify how you meet the requirements of the position and confirm if you are legally authorized to work in Canada.
Company
Ice River Springs Water Co. Inc.
485387 30th Sideroad
Shelburne, ON
L9V 3N5

Please let Ice River Sustainable Solutions know if you require accommodation during the hiring and selection process and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements. Ice River Sustainable Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, we welcome applications from women, racially visible individuals, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.

Note to Recruiting Agencies

Ice River Sustainable Solutions does not respond to unsolicited emails from third party recruiters acting on behalf of job seekers. All candidates are encouraged to create their own online profile, allowing us to reference resumes effectively and advise when opportunities match your knowledge and skills. Any profiles created by recruiters on behalf of job seeking candidates will be deleted. This practice threatens future interactions between third party recruiters and Ice River Sustainable Solutions recruitment.