Forklift Operator - Reprocessing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reprocessing Specialist

Where people thrive, partners grow, and innovation takes shape

Who We Are 

CREO Group is a leading consumer product, nursery, and greenhouse supply company. While others make plastic, we build relationships. As both a full-service designer and manufacturer, we offer a wide range of national and private-label products while delivering the flexibility, quality, and innovation our partners expect.

At CREO, work is more than a job — it’s a journey. Guided by our mission is to be the market-leading provider of innovative container solutions that enhance everyday living by partnering with our customers to deliver best-in-class, high-quality, and environmentally responsible products through disciplined operational execution. Powered by an engaged, high-performing team, we create enduring value for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.

Being part of CREO means joining a community that celebrates collaboration and thrives on the diverse strengths of our people. You’ll work alongside colleagues who bring unique experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and together, we’ll achieve more than we could alone.

CREO offers eligible full-time employees competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid time off and holidays. 

Many health and welfare benefits are available after 30 days of continuous employment. 

Our 401K offers a generous match, with vesting and eligibility beginning after 90 days of continuous employment. 

Position Overview 

A Reprocessing Specialist is an expert in the preparation of reusable materials. They are responsible for the sorting, decontamination, and reprocessing of recyclable materials into reusable raw materials using specialized equipment and protocols. This specialist ensures materials are handled efficiently and in compliance with environmental, safety, and quality regulations. This role plays a key part in promoting sustainability and optimizing material recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, sort, and prepare recyclable materials, including plastic waste and various plastic polymers, for reprocessing.
• Conduct visual and mechanical inspections of incoming materials to assess quality and identify contaminants.
• Monitor contamination levels and remove non-recyclable or hazardous items.
• Operate and maintain reprocessing machinery, including shredders, balers, extruders, and granulators.
• Perform routine equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and die face changes.
• Execute mechanical, thermal, and chemical processes to convert waste materials into reusable forms, such as pelletized plastics or melted metals.
• Follow established reprocessing procedures, including draining and refilling tanks.
• Monitor heat controls, water levels, and other process conditions to maintain consistent operations.
• Complete water drainage procedures.
• Adjust machinery settings to improve throughput, minimize waste, and ensure processed materials meet purity and quality standards for resale or reuse.
• Troubleshoot issues involving material contamination, machinery operation, and process inconsistencies.
• Accurately record processing data and maintain complete processing logs and quality control records.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or GED certificate is required.
• Experience operating and maintaining recycling reprocessing machinery is preferred.
• On-the-job training will be provided.

Performance Expectations and Core Competencies

All CREO Group Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate the CREO Core Values of Collaboration, Respect, Empowerment, and Opportunity in all interactions. 
• Support the Company's Value Creation Plan through Commercial Innovation, End Market Expansion, Operational Execution, and Nurture Our Team. 
• Promote a culture where people thrive, partners grow, and innovation takes shape. 
• Perform work safely, ethically, efficiently, and with a commitment to continuous improvement. 
• Contribute positively to the success of One CREO by working collaboratively across all functions and locations. 

CREO Core Value

Core Competency

Collaboration

Teamwork, Communication, Customer Focus

Respect

Integrity, Inclusion, Professionalism

Empowerment

Accountability, Results Orientation, Decision Making

Opportunity

Innovation, Learning Agility, Adaptability, Continuous Improvement

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Manufacturing Plant:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees in this position are regularly required to:

• Remain in a standing and/or walking position for extended periods during the work shift. 
• Frequently walk throughout the production floor, warehouse, and other manufacturing areas. 
• Use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, manipulate, assemble, inspect, or operate materials, tools, machinery, and equipment. 
• Frequently reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, squat, twist, and climb as required to perform job duties. 
• Occasionally climb stairs, ladders, or work platforms where job duties require. 
• Lift, carry, push, or pull materials, parts, containers, or equipment weighing up to: 
  • Frequently: up to 25 pounds 
  • Occasionally: up to 50 pounds 
  • More than 50 pounds with team lifting or mechanical assistance, when required. 
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder movements throughout the workday. 
• Maintain sufficient manual dexterity and coordination to safely operate production equipment and hand tools. 
• Visually inspect products, equipment, labels, gauges, and displays to identify defects or quality concerns. 
• Hear alarms, warning signals, equipment sounds, and verbal instructions in a manufacturing environment. 
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and visitors regarding production, quality, and safety matters. 
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, hair restraints, respirators (when required), or other protective equipment. 
• Safely operate or work around moving machinery, conveyors, forklifts, robotic equipment, and automated manufacturing systems after appropriate training. 

Employees regularly work in a manufacturing environment that may include:

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and automated equipment. 
• Moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection. 
• Exposure to varying temperatures depending on department and season. 
• Exposure to dust, plastic resins, lubricants, cleaning agents, and other manufacturing materials. 
• Bright industrial lighting and frequent activity from forklifts and material handling equipment. 
• Overtime, weekend work, and extended shifts as business needs require.
• Required PPE: hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety shoes where applicable.

CREO Group reserves the right to revise or update this job description as needed to better comply with the actual essential function of the job requirements as business needs dictate.

CREO Group is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. The Company provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with appl