Industrial Operator/ General Labor

About the role

At HTI Recycling, an Ecore company, we transform reclaimed rubber into innovative performance surfaces that protect people and the planet. Our products power everything from playgrounds and gyms to hospitals, courts, and even rockets—helping people in motion be their strongest, healthiest selves. As a high-growth, sustainability-driven company, we're leading the way in circular innovation by keeping rubber out of landfills and turning waste into wellness, safety, and performance. We're excited to find individuals who are eager to be part of a team that's driving global impact through innovation, sustainability, and purpose.

Location: 490 Ohio Street, Lockport, NY 14094 | 1st shift 7am-5pm Mon-Fri (Sat as needed) | Pay $18.00-$20.00 based on experience

We are seeking a motivated Loader / Skid Steer / Forklift Operator to join our manufacturing team. This is a hands-on position focused on operating forklifts and skid steers, moving materials throughout the facility, loading and unloading trailers, handling tires and raw materials, and performing general labor as needed. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in an industrial environment, enjoys physical work, and has experience operating powered industrial equipment safely and efficiently. This role combines equipment operation with general labor responsibilities and requires flexibility to support various production activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, skid steers, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently
• Move raw materials, finished products, and inventory throughout the facility
• Load and unload trailers and transport materials between work areas
• Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required safety checklists
• Fuel, clean, and maintain equipment at the end of each shift
• Follow all safety procedures when entering and unloading trailers
• Handle and move tires and rubber materials throughout the production process
• Assist production teams with material preparation and movement
• Support manufacturing operations as needed
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving materials
• Assist in loading, packaging, and staging products for shipment
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Use brooms, shovels, vacuums, and air tools to clean workspaces and equipment
• Empty dumpsters and remove debris as needed
• Assist with general facility upkeep and 6S/housekeeping initiatives
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding production and safety concerns
• Cross-train in other departments as needed
• Adapt to changing priorities and assignments throughout the shift

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED OR equivalent manufacturing experience
• Minimum of 6 months of forklift or powered industrial truck experience
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Basic computer and data entry skills
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment
• Willingness to work overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Skid steer and/or front-end loader experience
• Manufacturing, production, warehouse, or industrial experience
• Valid driver's license
• Experience moving heavy materials in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to regularly perform manual labor and handle tires/materials
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently
• Comfortable working in a dusty, noisy, and industrial manufacturing environment
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe/composite-toe footwear

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing facility and includes exposure to: industrial equipment and machinery, dusty and dirty work environments, loud noise levels, temperature fluctuations, and fast-paced production operations.

Ideal Candidate

You are a dependable, safety-focused individual who enjoys operating equipment, working with your hands, and staying active throughout the day. If you have forklift or skid steer experience and don't mind physical labor, including tire handling and general production support, we'd love to hear from you. The above are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the job described. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance coverage
• 401k with a company match
• PTO Hours are accrued from Day 1
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for development and internal promotions
• Two minute walk to eco-friendly public transportation from rabbittransit

Sometimes the best jobs get missed because people think they don't have what it takes. At Ecore, we know hard work, reliability, and a good attitude matter most. No matter your background, experience, or where you've come from, if this job sounds like something you'd be proud to do, we're excited to meet you.