Machine Operator Pallet Sorting - St. Louis, MO, US

Job Summary: · We're looking for a diligent and safety-focused Machine Operator to join our team. As a Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of your assigned machinery, playing a crucial role in our production process. If you ...

Job description

Job Summary:

We're looking for a diligent and safety-focused Machine Operator to join our team. As a Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of your assigned machinery, playing a crucial role in our production process. If you're detail-oriented, comfortable with machinery, and committed to safety, we encourage you to apply

Our Story… So Far

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider offering Pallet Management Services, 3PL Services, Reverse Logistics Services, and Freight Brokerage & Transportation Management Services, handling over 115 million pallets per year for over 1,500 customers. Now one of the largest pallet manufacturing and recycling companies in the United States, PLA has over 76 facilities, employing upwards of 3500 employees across 23 states, and is still looking for opportunities for growth, both organically and through acquisition.

Pay Rate: $17.50 an hour 

• Guaranteed Progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role.

Here's What We Offer:

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday.
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week.
• PTO (Paid Time Off).
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings.
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget.
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications.
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment.
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week.
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases.
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Pallet Sorter Machine Operator, you will play a key role in the safe and efficient processing of wooden pallets, including CHEP and other pallet types, through our automated sorting equipment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Safely operating pallet sorting machinery in accordance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Monitoring pallet flow through the machine to ensure accurate and productive sortation
• Performing routine equipment checks and basic preventive maintenance as assigned
• Identifying, troubleshooting, and promptly reporting equipment issues or malfunctions
• Handling and positioning wooden pallets weighing up to 75 lbs
• Keeping the area around your machine clean, organized, and free of safety hazards
• Consistently following all safety rules and participating in safety initiatives
• Flexing to different tasks, schedules, or operational needs as required

What We're Looking For

• Previous machine operator or production experience preferred
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and safe equipment operation
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal operating instructions
• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Dependable, team-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods
• Regularly lift, move, and handle wooden pallets weighing up to 75 lbs
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for operating equipment and inspecting pallets
• Ability to hear machinery sounds, alarms, and verbal instructions in a noisy environment
• Clear vision, including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, to safely operate machinery and identify pallet defects

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a manufacturing or production environment. This may include exposure to wood dust, sawdust, moderate to high noise levels, and varying temperatures. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.