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Plastic Grinder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator|Burley, ID| HIRING NOW Compensation: * $20.07 (per hour) Available Shifts: * 7pm ... Can demonstrate proper procedure used to grind scrap plastic for reuse. Demonstrates ability to ...

Material Grinder

New Albany, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

About the Role The Material Grinder is responsible for safely operating grinders to grind bottles ... Rigid Plastics if needed. * Ability to work all shifts, holidays, and required overtime as needed.

Operator - Plastic I

Burley, ID · On-site

$20.07/hr

Machine Operator|Burley, ID| HIRING NOW Compensation: * $20.07 (per hour) Available Shifts: * 7pm ... grind scrap plastic for reuse. • Demonstrates ability to perform quality checks per procedure ...

Operator - Plastic I

Burley, ID · On-site

$20.07/hr

Machine Operator|Burley, ID| HIRING NOW Compensation: * $20.07 (per hour) Available Shifts: * 7pm ... grind scrap plastic for reuse. • Demonstrates ability to perform quality checks per procedure ...

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The Grinder Technician is responsible for performing and maintaining the daily activities ... Company Description At Pipeline Plastics, we are proud to be an industry leader in the design and ...

Powder Operator

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Powder Operator High Country Plastics Production Team High Country ... Measure, blend, and load plastic resin materials for production * Operate mixers, grinders, dryers ...

Powder Operator

Caldwell, ID · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Powder Operator High Country Plastics | Production Team High Country Plastics is looking for a ... Measure, blend, and load plastic resin materials for production * Operate mixers, grinders, dryers ...

Powder Operator

Caldwell, ID

$15 - $18.25/hr

Description Powder Operator High Country Plastics | Production Team High Country Plastics is ... Measure, blend, and load plastic resin materials for production * Operate mixers, grinders, dryers ...

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Machine Operator

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Clean up equipment (grinders, saws, cutters, vacuum loaders, etc...) at the end of a job run ... Company Description J & L Custom Plastic Extrusions, Inc. has provided custom plastic extrusion ...

As the premier manufacturer of plastic conduit pipes, we create pathways that connect people and ... Train and mentor operators on equipment usage and procedures, emphasizing safety and adherence to ...

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Machine Operator

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Clean up equipment (grinders, saws, cutters, vacuum loaders, etc...) at the end of a job run ... Company Description J & L Custom Plastic Extrusions, Inc. has provided custom plastic extrusion ...

As the premier manufacturer of plastic conduit pipes, we create pathways that connect people and ... Train and mentor operators on equipment usage and procedures, emphasizing safety and adherence to ...

Operator - 1st Shift

Darlington, WI · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... plastic parts. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be ... Clean all auxiliary equipment to include hoppers, grinders and dryers as needed * Identify and ...

Operator - 1st Shift

Monroe, WI

$16 - $19.25/hr

... plastic parts. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be ... Clean all auxiliary equipment to include hoppers, grinders and dryers as needed * Identify and ...

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Plastic Grinder Operator information

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$12

$19

$27

How much do plastic grinder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic grinder operator in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Grinder Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Grinder Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial grinders, basic maintenance tools, and safety protocols—often supported by OSHA training—is important. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and effective communication help operators address issues quickly and work well with team members. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation and quality output in a manufacturing environment.

What does a Plastic Grinder Operator do?

A Plastic Grinder Operator is responsible for operating machines that grind, crush, or pulverize plastic materials, such as scrap or defective parts, into smaller pieces for recycling or reprocessing. They monitor equipment performance, adjust settings, and ensure the resulting material meets specified size and quality standards. Operators also perform routine maintenance on the machinery and follow safety procedures to prevent accidents. This role is essential in plastic manufacturing and recycling industries to reduce waste and support sustainable production processes.

What is the difference between Plastic Grinder Operator vs Plastic Recycling Technician?

AspectPlastic Grinder OperatorPlastic Recycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in machinery operationHigh school diploma; certifications in recycling processes or equipment
Work EnvironmentFactories or manufacturing plants handling plastic wasteRecycling facilities or waste management plants
Job FocusOperating grinders to process plastic materialsSorting, inspecting, and managing recycled plastics

Both roles involve working in plastic processing environments and may require similar certifications. However, the Plastic Grinder Operator primarily focuses on operating grinding machinery, while the Plastic Recycling Technician handles broader recycling processes, including sorting and quality control.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Grinder Operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Plastic Grinder Operators often encounter challenges such as handling jammed machinery, maintaining consistent material quality, and managing dust and noise in the work environment. To effectively manage these issues, operators should follow proper lockout/tagout procedures, perform routine equipment checks, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Clear communication with maintenance teams and adherence to safety protocols also help in minimizing downtime and ensuring a safe, productive workflow.
More about Plastic Grinder Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Plastic Grinder Operator jobs? Cities with the most Plastic Grinder Operator job openings:
What states have the most Plastic Grinder Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Grinder Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastic Grinder Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,454 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Operator - Plastic I

$20.07/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 13 days ago


Novolex rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 110 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Company OverviewWhy Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

Job Description

Machine Operator|Burley, ID| HIRING NOW

Compensation:

  • $20.07 (per hour)

Available Shifts:

  • 7pm-7am
  • 2-2-3 schedule

TEXT TO APPLY NUMBER:

  • 928-668-6539 (928-NOVOLEX)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintain safe, clean and friendly work environment. Ensure that customer requirements are met or exceeded. Follow guidelines of sampling procedures and input of data to SPC system. Interpret SPC data and make necessary adjustments within the process control limitations. Operate and adjust machines within process limitations as directed that will produce various plastic parts, maintaining optimum machine operating efficiency and uptime. Identify and troubleshoot needed repairs of machinery and utilize follow-up procedures of reporting. Effectively generate breakdown work orders and document other related downtimes. Work closely with process technician and other support staff to assure maximum quality levels and machine up time. Monitor all blending equipment for proper and continuous feed operation to production line(s). Assist in the training of supporting IP's and other personnel. Ability to read and understand equipment manuals and diagrams. Ability to read and understand metric system measurements. Analyze and troubleshoot problem areas. Ability to work in fast paced environment. Supply cartons and bags to the Production. Move boxes of finished product from conveyor to trailers or other staging areas. Remove unused and scrap packaging materials from the line and transport them to the Middle warehouse for storage or recycling Ability to accurately control inventory throughout the entire process Responsible for following all Food Safety/ Food Quality programs in accordance with customer specifications (as dictated by the standards of BRC) and reporting any issues to management. Other duties as necessary

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:Communication/Teamwork: Ability to communicate effectively and work closely and productively as part of a cross-functional team Ability to create and/or exhibit an atmosphere of openness, honesty, trust and teamwork. Demonstrates ability to accurately post data from one source to another in ERP or peripheral software systems. Ability to effectively report shift activities.

Safety: Demonstrates ability to understand and actively participate in all company safety programs, policies and procedures. Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of safe equipment operation. Demonstrates ability to operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

Technical Knowledge:

Demonstrates ability to perform Root Cause Analysis, implement corrective action and understand cause and effect. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of process sheets and allowable adjustments. Demonstrates ability for ongoing cooperation with Maintenance Dept. regarding equipment operation and needed repairs.

Quality/Housekeeping: Ability to develop and maintain processes that are ISO compliant. Ability to be a self starter and work independently. Can demonstrate ability to maintain work area in clean, safe order. Can demonstrate proper procedure used to grind scrap plastic for reuse. Demonstrates ability to perform quality checks per procedure. Demonstrates ability to sort out-of-spec product for regrind.

Training: Demonstrates ability to ensure trainees follow established procedures in absence of trainer.

Operate Equipment: Can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of thermoforming machinery and company specific products being manufactured. Can demonstrate a good working knowledge of the properties of plastics. Can demonstrate ability to appropriately install dies onto machine, according to work order specifications, using clamps, bolts, and hand tools. Can demonstrate proper procedure used to activate machine to close dies and inject plastics into dies to cast part. Can demonstrate ability to read specifications to determine set-up and prescribed temperature and time settings to mold or cast plastic materials. Ability to operate thermoforming and/or blending equipment and peripherals. Ability to operate motorized equipment and other peripheral equipment safely and efficiently as required.

Efficiency: Ability to maintain optimum machine efficiencies and up time. Ability to set machine controls to regulate molding temperature, volume of plastics, molding pressure and time according to procedures. Ability to meet or exceed performance standards and continuously improve upon them.

Inspection: Demonstrates attention to detail focusing on accuracy. Demonstrates ability to accurately identify differences between major & minor defects. Inspect and enter mold shot every 60-90 minutes.

Product Knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge of FK products and materials and can differentiate between them.

Organization: Demonstrates ability to be a self starter and work independently to complete assignments/responsibilities. Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize workload as required.

Problem Solving: Ability to think openly and be a good listener to decipher information and come to resolution.

Inventory Control/Management: Can demonstrate ability to accurately count, weigh, and record number of units of materials moved or handled, using daily production sheet or work ticket. Can demonstrate ability to control or tend conveyor systems that move materials to/from departments. Can demonstrate proper techniques used to arrange materials/items in specified sequence for assembly and/or distribution. Demonstrates ability to safely load and unload materials to/from designated storage areas such as racks and shelves, or vehicles such as trucks.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent Three to five years of previous mechanical and or technical experience in a related manufacturing setting Basic computer skills Strong mechanical aptitude Acceptable score acquired on the Fabri-Kal Corporation mechanical aptitude test Good oral and written communication skills Basic computer knowledge Work with little to no supervision

ADA - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Must be able to: Work a 12-hour shift, standing and walking for extended periods Climb Heed safety warnings, devices and alarms. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing Lift and carry products weighing up to 75 lbs. Possess an adequate ability to do problem solving and establish cause and effect relationships in an office and/or manufacturing environment.

Company BenefitsWhat You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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