Pallet Sorting Machine Operator

PLA Buyer•Jurupa Valley, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

PLA is seeking a diligent, safety-focused Pallet Sorting Machine Operator to safely and efficiently operate and maintain assigned machinery as part of its pallet production process. The role primarily takes place in a manufacturing or production environment and involves sorting pallets, inspecting quality, maintaining equipment, handling materials, and completing production paperwork. The position pays $20.00 per hour to start, with a listed range of $20.00–$23.00 per hour. Guaranteed 50-cent-per-hour increases are provided at 90 days, one year, and annually thereafter for up to five years, reaching the maximum rate at five years in the role. PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It handles over 115 million pallets per year for more than 1,500 customers and operates over 76 facilities across 23 states, with upwards of 3,500 employees. The work environment may involve wood dust and sawdust, moderate to high noise levels, and varying temperatures. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment are required.

Requirements

Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to understand and follow operational guidelines for machinery.
Problem-solving skills to identify and report machine issues.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Good math, language, and reading skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for extended periods.
Ability to regularly lift and move materials, including lumber and pallets, weighing up to 50–75 pounds.
Good manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity for operating tools, handling materials, and inspecting pallet quality.
Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, machinery sounds, and safety alarms in a noisy environment.
Vision suitable for detailed work, reading measurements, identifying defects, and safely operating machinery, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Machine Operator is preferred.
Experience operating a SMETCO 300 series pallet sorter is a plus.
High school diploma or GED is preferred.

Responsibilities

Safely operate assigned equipment, such as a SMETCO 300 series pallet sorter, in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Sort pallets by grade, quality, manufacturer, and type, and inspect them for conformance to quality standards.
Perform routine equipment checks and basic maintenance, including removing jams and clearing debris from stackers and conveyors.
Immediately report equipment problems or malfunctions to the appropriate authority.
Ensure productive sorting of pallets through the machine.
Hand-stack pallets to appropriate heights and move materials or pallets around the facility.
Accurately complete production paperwork to track progress.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace around the machine.
Follow all safety policies and procedures.
Adapt to new schedules or tasks based on operational needs.

Benefits

Daily Pay option to access earnings before payday.
Weekly pay.
Paid time off (PTO).
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including three medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Health Savings Account with company contributions up to $750 annually.
401(k) retirement plan with up to a 4% employer match, eligibility beginning the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
Flexible benefits plan options.
Prescription drug coverage.
Basic life insurance and AD&D coverage at no cost upon employment.
Voluntary short-term disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program with free, confidential support.
Voluntary MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services.
Pet insurance through ASPCA.
LifeMart employee discounts.
Dell Employee Purchase Program discounts.