Machine Operator We're looking for a diligent and safety-focused Machine Operator to join our team. As a Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of your assigned machinery, playing a crucial role in our production process. If you're detail-oriented, comfortable with machinery, and committed to safety, we encourage you to apply! Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider offering Pallet Management Services, 3PL Services, Reverse Logistics Services, and Freight Brokerage & Transportation Management Services, handling over 115 million pallets per year for over 1,500 customers. Now one of the largest pallet manufacturing and recycling companies in the United States, PLA has over 76 facilities, employing upwards of 3500 employees across 23 states, and is still looking for opportunities for growth, both organically and through acquisition.
Pay Rate: $20.00 an hour
Guaranteed Progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role.
Here's What We Offer: Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday.
Weekly Pay: Get paid on time, every week. PTO (Paid Time Off).
Full Benefits:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75.Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings.401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant. Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget. Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications. FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment. Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week. Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week. Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings for a non-work-related injury or illness. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more. Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases. Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.
What You'll Be Doing:
As a Pallet Sorting Machine Operator, your primary responsibilities will include:
Safely operating assigned equipment, such as a SMETCO 300 series pallet sorter, in accordance with all company policies and procedures.
Sorting pallets to grade based on quality, manufacturer, and type, and inspecting them to verify conformance to quality standards.
Performing routine checks and basic maintenance on machinery as required, including removing jams and clearing debris from stackers and conveyors.
Immediately reporting any equipment problems or malfunctions to the appropriate authority.
Ensuring the productive sorting of pallets through the machine.
Hand-stacking pallets to appropriate heights and moving materials or pallets around the facility.
Accurately completing all production paperwork to track progress.
Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workspace around your machine.
Following all safety policies and procedures diligently.
Adapting to new schedules or tasks based on operational needs.
What We're Looking For:
Experience as a Machine Operator preferred.
Experience operating a SMETCO 300 series pallet sorter is a plus.
Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to understand and follow operational guidelines for machinery.
Problem-solving skills for identifying and reporting machine issues.
Must be at least 18 years old.
High School diploma or GED preferred.
Good math, language, and reading skills with attention to detail.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for extended periods.
Capable of lifting and moving materials regularly throughout the shift (e.g., lumber, pallets), with the ability to lift up to 50-75 pounds.
Requires good manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity for operating tools, handling materials, and inspecting pallet quality.
Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, machinery sounds, and safety alarms in a noisy environment.
Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for detailed work, reading measurements, identifying defects, and operating machinery safely.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a manufacturing or production environment. This may include exposure to wood dust, sawdust, moderate to high noise levels, and varying temperatures. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required. PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting Hiring@Propak.com. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.
