Utility Worker

Utility Worker

The Utility Worker supports all general production aspects of thermoforming operations by handling materials, operating and tending machinery, and maintaining a clean and safe work area. This role involves frequent heavy lifting, use of hand and power tools, and close collaboration with machine operators to keep production running smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Check incoming materials into the production line and verify that correct materials and batch numbers are used and stored in the appropriate locations.
• Press materials into shape using machinery, ensuring proper setup and safe operation of equipment.
• Load and unload machinery with the correct raw materials, including lifting and moving 50-pound bags to hoppers and other equipment.
• Stage, count, sort, and measure materials and components to support accurate and efficient production.
• Bring materials to molding areas and carry supplies and materials to machinery for operators throughout the shift.
• Consistently lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds as part of daily tasks.
• Check inventory levels of raw materials and communicate any shortages or needs to the appropriate personnel.
• Use hand and power tools to perform simple tasks such as adjustments, minor fixes, and material handling support.
• Clean out molds and remove excess material to prepare equipment for the next production run.
• Clean and degrease metal inserts and other components to ensure they are ready for use in production.
• Operate basic production machinery and assist machine operators with setup, operation, and changeovers as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment such as steel toe boots.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area by disposing of waste materials and keeping walkways clear.
• Participate in forklift training and, once trained, safely operate a forklift to move materials and products around the facility.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate effectively to support smooth production flow and resolve issues quickly.

Essential Skills

• Ability to consistently lift and move up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
• Experience with machine operating in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with measuring materials or components accurately to support production requirements.
• Comfort using hand and power tools to complete simple tasks safely.
• Willingness and ability to work in a warm manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow instructions, production procedures, and safety guidelines reliably.
• Strong attention to detail when checking materials, batch numbers, counts, and measurements.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work a 2nd shift schedule from 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., including initial training on 1st shift from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Ability to communicate effectively on the production floor.
• Steel toe boots, worn at all times while on the production floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Forklift operation skills or willingness to learn; training will be provided.
• Bilingual communication skills.
• Prior experience in a plastic manufacturing or thermoforming environment.
• Experience with staging, counting, sorting, and measuring materials in a production setting.
• Comfort working in a smaller team environment where collaboration is important.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a close-knit production team in a smaller, modern facility with relatively new, state-of-the-art machinery. After a 90-day contract-to-hire period, team members enter the company’s union and become eligible for union benefits, along with an automatic annual pay increase. The environment is described as friendly and collaborative, with coworkers who get along well and support one another. This role offers stable, structured work with clear expectations and the opportunity to build long-term skills in manufacturing and thermoforming operations.

Work Environment

This position is based in a smaller plastic manufacturing facility with a team of approximately 25 people. The shop uses relatively new, state-of-the-art machinery focused on thermoforming operations. Because it is a plastic manufacturing environment, the facility tends to be somewhat warm. The culture on the floor is collaborative, and team members generally get along well and work closely together. The role is scheduled for 2nd shift from 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with initial training on 1st shift from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work involves frequent heavy lifting, regular use of hand and power tools, and movement around the production floor. Steel toe boots are required as part of the dress code for safety.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of BRIDGEVIEW, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in BRIDGEVIEW, IL.