Machine Operator running slurry-forming and bonding equipment at Quick Plug Canada's St. Catharines plant, producing bonded growing media plugs for horticulture. Responsible for line startup, continuous quality monitoring, and hands-on equipment upkeep, including clearing accumulated mud/dirt slurry from machine components.
Shift: Afternoon shift, 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Monday to Thursday (4-day work week). Optional overtime shifts available on Fridays.
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Start up and stage the production line to hit scheduled run time, including pre-run checks on PLCs and automated forming equipment
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Feed and monitor the dirt/peat slurry and binder mixing process, watching for inconsistent bonding, incomplete cure, or off-spec plug density
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Continuously inspect finished plugs for defects (weak bonding, mud clumping, size/shape deviation) and report to Leads
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Clean and clear designated machine components per the posted cleaning schedule, including shoveling out mud and dirt slurry residue that builds up in feed hoppers, mixing chambers, and conveyor sections
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Track packaging material usage and flag shortages to Supervisor before they stall the line
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Report maintenance issues (mechanical wear, PLC faults, sensor errors) to Operating Leads immediately, not at end of shift
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Follow GMP and Food Safety protocols on any shared lines, plus isocyanate-specific PPE and handling procedures (respirator, hazmat suit, gloves, safety glasses)
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Maintain a defect/scrap rate at or below plant target through consistent slurry-mix and bonding-quality checks
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Complete cross-training on at least one additional specialty machine and be able to run it without supervision
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Contribute to reducing unplanned downtime tied to slurry buildup/clogging by following (and suggesting improvements to) the cleaning schedule
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Support onboarding of new operators on assigned machines, including hands-on training on proper cleaning/mud-clearing technique to prevent equipment jams
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5+ years in a manufacturing environment, ideally with continuous-process or batch-mixing equipment
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Hands-on comfort with manual, physically demanding labor: standing, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs, shoveling/clearing material buildup
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Basic computer literacy sufficient for PLC interfaces and digital production logs
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High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
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Fluent spoken/written English sufficient for safety instructions and shift handoffs
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Direct experience with PLCs and automated/robotic production equipment
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Mechanical aptitude and machine setup/changeover experience
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Exposure to slurry, binder, resin, or chemical-mix processes (isocyanate, polyurethane, or similar) — understands why containment and PPE compliance matter, not just that it's required
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Valid forklift license
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Prior experience training or leading other operators on a specialty machine
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On-site only, St. Catharines, Ontario plant — not remote-eligible
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Manufacturing floor environment: moderate-to-high noise, temperature swings, airborne dust/organic particulate
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Required PPE: respirator, hazmat suit, safety glasses, gloves
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Physically demanding: standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting to 50 lbs, and manual clearing of mud/slurry buildup
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Overtime required as production schedules demand
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RRSP Employer Match Program
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Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
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Employee Assistance Program
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PPE Reimbursement Program
