Production Operator

Production OperatorThe Production Operator sets up, runs, and supports rotational molding and finishing operations to produce plastic coolers, tanks, and related parts used in agriculture and transportation. This role involves operating machinery, using hand and power tools, weighing and measuring raw materials, cleaning and finishing products, and organizing completed orders in a hot manufacturing environment with regular heavy lifting and mandatory Saturday overtime during peak periods.ResponsibilitiesOperate production machinery to run molding equipment, following written instructions and standard operating procedures.Use hand tools and power tools to assemble, finish, and modify plastic products according to specifications.Measure and weigh raw materials, including resins, using basic weighing machines to ensure accurate material quantities before operation.Perform finishing tasks such as cleaning products, adding accessories, labeling items, and organizing orders for shipment or further processing.Lift and move materials and finished products, including regular lifting up to 50 pounds in machine operation and up to 30 pounds in finishing activities.Support general labor tasks across the plant, including weighing product, assembling components, and assisting where needed to maintain production flow.Stand for extended periods while working around rotational molding machines and other equipment in a hot manufacturing environment.Follow all safety guidelines, including wearing required protective footwear and adhering to facility rules and procedures.Work assigned shift hours and participate in mandatory overtime on Saturdays during peak season, with availability for at least two Saturdays per month.Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring tools, materials, and finished products are properly stored and labeled.Read and interpret basic written instructions, labels, and measurements to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.Collaborate with team members and shift leadership to meet production targets and quality standards.Essential SkillsExperience in heavy machine operation or construction, with comfort working around large industrial equipment.Ability to follow written instructions and production procedures accurately.Capability to read and use a basic weighing machine to measure raw materials such as resins.Proficiency using basic hand tools and power tools for assembly and finishing work.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly for machine operation and up to 30 pounds for finishing tasks.Comfort standing for long periods in a hot manufacturing environment.Willingness and availability to work mandatory overtime on Saturdays during peak season, including at least two Saturdays per month.Reliability in adhering to scheduled shift times on first, second, or third shift.Commitment to safety practices, including wearing required protective footwear and following plant safety rules.No high school diploma required.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in manufacturing, assembly, or general labor in an industrial setting.Familiarity with rotational molding or plastics production environments.Ability to organize, label, and stage orders for shipping or further processing.Comfort working with heat-intensive equipment and ovens in a production environment.Adaptability to learn new machine operations and support different areas of the plant as needed.Strong attention to detail when measuring materials, assembling products, and labeling finished goods.Why Work Here?Employees benefit from a structured pay progression with raises every six months for five years, offering clear long-term growth potential. The organization provides frequent overtime opportunities for those seeking additional earnings and maintains a quick, straightforward hiring process, allowing new team members to start contributing and earning without lengthy delays. The culture emphasizes hands-on work, skill development in industrial manufacturing, and steady, reliable shift-based employment.Work EnvironmentThis is a manufacturing plant producing plastic coolers, tanks, and other plastic parts using 11 rotational molding machines that function like large ovens to harden plastic, creating a consistently hot work environment. Team members work on one of three shifts: first shift from 6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., second shift from 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., or third shift from 10:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m., with mandatory overtime on Saturdays during peak periods. Work involves standing for extended periods, lifting heavy materials and products, and using hand and power tools for assembly and finishing tasks. Steel-toed or composite-toed work shoes are required, and employees must have them on their first day or they will be sent home. The environment is industrial and fast-paced, with machinery, heat, and general labor activities forming the core of daily work.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Chicago, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $19.50 - $20.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in West Chicago, IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.