Position Summary
With more than 4 million sheds and playsets sold since 1975, Backyard Products has helped make America’s backyard a destination families love. Our team designs and manufactures a wide range of products—including sheds, playsets, pergolas, pavilions, and children’s toys—delivering craftsmanship our customers can trust. When you work at Backyard Products, you join a collaborative, high-energy environment built on creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
The Material Handler / Grinder Operator supports the Thermoforming department by safely moving, staging, and organizing raw materials and finished products, as well as operating grinding equipment to process scrap materials according to production specifications. This role is essential to maintaining efficient material flow, supporting machine operators, and ensuring materials meet quality and safety standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Safely transport raw materials, finished goods, and scrap using a forklift
- Operate and monitor the grinder to process scrap plastic in accordance with quality and production requirements
- Perform grinder setup, basic adjustments, and routine cleaning
- Complete pre-shift equipment inspections and report issues promptly
- Conduct quality checks and identify defects, escalating concerns as needed
- Assist thermoforming operators by staging material, removing scrap, and supporting production needs
- Accurately complete required production logs, documentation and material tracking
- Perform basic troubleshooting and report mechanical or process issues to supervision
- Complete preventative maintenance (PM) tasks as scheduled and documented
- Follow all company safety procedures, including PPE, forklift safety, and equipment protocols
- Maintain an organized, clean workspace in alignment with 5S and housekeeping standards
- Assist in training and onboarding new team members as directed
- Meet assigned production schedules and required departmental output
- Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient operations
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Ability to safely operate industrial manufacturing and material-handling equipment
- Ability to successfully complete forklift certification (training provided)
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to perform minor troubleshooting
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Reliable attendance and punctuality
- Willingness to work in a high-heat, high-noise manufacturing environment
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in manufacturing or production environment
- Experience operating grinding or recycling equipment
Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodation may be provided in accordance with the ADA.
- Standing or walking for up to 10 hours per shift
- Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, and material handling
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
- Adequate vision to safely operate equipment and perform quality inspections
Work Environment
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to elevated or cold temperatures
- Loud noise levels; hearing protection required in designated areas
- PPE required at all times in production and material-handling areas
- Work performed around moving machinery and powered industrial vehicles
Safety & Training Requirements – provided by Backyard Products
- General Plant Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Emergency Evacuation
- Forklift Safety (as applicable)
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- 401K
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Holidays
|
