Job Description
Title: Lead Hand
Plant: Truro, Nova Scotia
Department: Operations
Reports To: Production Supervisor/Shift Lead
Position Summary:
The Lead Hand is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the facility by providing guidance, coordination, and hands-on assistance to production staff. Acting as a key point of contact on the floor, this role helps ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards. The Lead Hand promotes a strong safety culture, monitors workflow, and assists with training and directing employees while maintaining productivity and quality expectations. This position works closely with leadership to ensure operational goals are achieved and a positive, team-oriented work environment is maintained.
The successful candidate must be physically fit and capable of performing the duties of the role, including working in a production environment and handling the physical demands of the position. This role also includes fulfilling all other duties as assigned.
Key Responsibilities:
Working Lead-Hand:
- Baler Operator:
- Start, monitor, and stop baling equipment as needed.
- Adjust machine settings based on material type.
- Load materials into the baler manually or with mobile equipment (forklift, etc.).
- Sort and separate recyclables before baling to ensure material quality.
- Remove contaminants or non-recyclables from loads.
- Tie, wrap, or strap bales according to SRL’s standards.
- Label and stack bales for storage or shipping.
- Record bale weights, types, and quantities for tracking and inventory.
- Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance on baler (e.g. check oil levels, clean sensors).
- Keep work area and baler clean and safe.
- Report equipment issues or workplace hazards in Site Docs/Megamation.
- Mobile Equipment Operator:
- Move recyclable materials to appropriate storage or processing areas.
- Transport full bins or containers to baling or sorting areas.
- Load baled or loose materials onto trucks or trailers for shipment.
- Unload incoming materials from delivery trucks or public drop-offs.
- Feed materials into baler.
- Ensure consistent flow of materials to processing equipment.
- Keep outdoor and indoor material areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
- Perform pre-operational checks on equipment (fluid levels, tire pressure, brakes, etc. in Site Docs/Megamation.
- Operate machinery safely in tight or congested areas with pedestrians and other workers.
- Communicate with spotters, and other depot staff via radio or hand signals.
Hands-on Team Lead:
- Schedule employees for certain tasks.
- Prepare all payroll information every Monday and forward it to the People and Culture Department at SRL, including timesheet approvals.
- Ensure employees arrive on time for their shift and ensure employees have received assigned work and are trained to perform their duties in a safe and efficient manner.
- Train new employees on New Employee Orientation, proper operation of equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and SOPs.
- Ensure you have a sufficient number of employees per shift trained/certified in First Aid.
- Ensure all employees who operate mobile equipment are trained by a professional certified company.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained and in good working order.
- Take a positive approach to work assignments and treat co-workers, customers, team and management with tact and respect.
- Ensure OH&S policies and procedures are posted, up to date and all employees are aware of our Safety Program; Lead by Example.
- Ensure all OH&S meetings are held on a monthly basis, and that the minutes are posted in site docs and printed /posted for all employees to review.
- Educate and ensure employees are wearing and maintaining their PPE.
- Conduct hazard assessments and develop and implement safe operating procedures when required.
Production:
- Prepare all inventory, tons out/in reports.
- Monthly inventory reports are completed on the computer by the 1st business day of the following month. Ensure Bills of Lading (BOL), are completed and sent to the sales and accounting team.
- Maintain all equipment to maximize all production levels. Coordinate with maintenance for repairs.
- Monitor shipping and receiving operations.
- Ensure products meet critical weight requirements (bales and finished trailers).
- Monitor and maintain product quality to meet internal and external industry specifications. Train all new employees on quality control requirements for all grades.
- Re-work and record any bales that did not meet the quality specifications.
- Maintain a professional working relationship with contractors, customers and suppliers.
- Coordinate deliveries and shipments.
- Address issues pertaining to facility rules, trucking (shipments/deliveries), etc.
Purchasing:
- Arrange for PO# before purchasing goods and/or services and ensure all supporting criteria are on the PO to be purchased.
- Coordinator and verify follow-up documents regarding goods received, signing off, etc.
- Ensure products or services are acceptable quality and are cost effective.
- Changes in PPE must be approved by Safety and the General Manager.
Occupational Health & Safety Responsibilities
- Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations applicable to the work location (NS), as well as company safety policies.
- Operate heavy equipment safely, including following lockout/tagout procedures when clearing jams or performing maintenance.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection as required.
- Report hazards, near misses, injuries, or unsafe conditions immediately to supervision.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Previous experience operating a baler or similar industrial equipment is considered an asset.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
- Ability to perform physical labour, including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, and standing for extended periods.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Reliable and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Working Conditions
- Industrial recycling environment with exposure to noise, dust, and moving machinery.
- Physically demanding work involving repetitive tasks.
- May involve working indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures.
Pay: $20.00-$30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
