Operations Technician

Opta Glass: Re-Defining Recycled Glass for the Construction Materials Industry

At Opta Glass, we are reshaping the future of construction materials by turning post-consumer glass into high-performance, sustainable building solutions.

Why Opta Glass?

We’re leading the charge in sustainable innovation with a bold mission to:

• Lower Environmental Impact – Our recycled glass products deliver up to a 20:1 reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional cement.
• Divert Waste from Landfills – Our process minimizes glass waste, approaching zero landfill diversion.
• Improve Construction Performance – Our materials enhance concrete strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and weather resistance.

Using state-of-the-art cleaning systems and proprietary fine milling technology, we’re producing some of the most advanced recycled glass materials in North America. Our flagship facility in Waterdown, Ontario, with a capacity of 100,000 metric tons per year, is now operational and poised to disrupt the traditional concrete and cement industries.

What Does This Mean for the Planet?

Our production impact is equivalent to one of the following each year:

• Removing 21,000 cars from the road
• Planting 1.6 million trees and nurturing them for over 10 years
• Powering 11,000 homes annually

But the story doesn’t end there! Our ground glass also extends the lifespan of concrete, further reducing environmental impact and lowering total cost of ownership.

Join the Movement

This is Glass RE-defined™ - a breakthrough in green building materials. As the largest operation of its kind globally, our Waterdown facility is setting a new benchmark for performance-driven, sustainable construction products.

Be part of a company that’s building smarter, stronger, and greener.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Glass Operations Technician (Relief) will report directly to the Glass Plant Manager or designate and is responsible for performing a variety of production, quality and maintenance tasks to assist with glass operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•Operate Glass Cleaning, Glass Operations equipment as standard but be able to operate plant legacy equipment if required.
•Packaging 1000 kg bulk bags of products via bulk bag loading system in Glass area.
•Reports any inconsistencies and uses standard repair procedures.
•Monitor quality and record general production information.
•Work in compliance with company safety, environmental and operating procedures.
•Loading of customer product pick-ups (legacy infrastructure and glass).
•Unloading of material and equipment deliveries.
•Cleaning of the plant as required.
•Operate forklift and scissor lift.
•Operate front end loader for glass transfer and waste removal.
•Work at heights using fall protection.
•Must know how to SAFELY operate all equipment used in the glass production area.
•Maintain production at peak performance.
•Be well versed and follow SOP’s for all production and maintenance operations.
•Operate control panels. Operate equipment systems from a PLC interface (automated control)
•Sample and analyze finished product per quality procedures.
•Record and confirm daily production.
•Assist with training of new employees.

•Shift work is required. Regular working hours are day shift; 6:00am to 4:00pm, however the successful candidate must be able to work both day shift, 6:00am to 4:00pm, and night shift, 8:00pm to 6:00pm to provide relief as scheduled.
•Evaluate raw materials and finished products to internal and/or customer specifications.
•Report any non-conformities to management.
•Assist in investigation of customer complaints.
•Maintain written quality records.
•Must be able to communicate both written and verbally with management and through use of various productivity software programs as Sharepoint, Outlook email, Excel, etc
•Perform preventative maintenance inspections and services in conjunction with Operations Mechanic.
•Perform wear part maintenance and screen replacement (as defined by SOP’s) in conjunction with Operations Mechanic.
•Other maintenance procedures as skills allow
•Effectively handle small tools.
•Maintain and clean tools and equipment.
•Other duties as required when directed by plant management.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•Ability to lift up to 50 lb
•Previous experience in a production/manufacturing setting
•Capable of working in a team and independently
•Capable of following a production plan while working independently
•Technical diploma or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
•Welding and other mechanical RED Seal training is preferred.
•Previous experience operating forklift, loader, and scissor lift is preferred.
•Must have basic math skills.
•Must have both verbal and written communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•Required to stand, walk and climb; have mobility of hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; sit, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.
•Frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be capable of maneuvering heavy items.
•Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, colour vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

**Note: This vacancy is a unionized position and follows a CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement)

Opta offers a diverse compensation and benefit package that includes the following:

• Extended Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Life, AD&D, and Dependent Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• RRSP Match
• On Demand Pay (Dayforce Wallet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Opta Waterdown Inc., an Opta Group Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, we will work with you to meet your needs.

As part of our recruitment process, Opta Group may use artificial intelligence–based tools to support the initial review of applications. These tools help identify relevant qualifications and experience. Human reviewers are involved at all stages of the hiring process, and no employment decision is made solely by automated means.

This job posting represents an existing vacancy and is posted in compliance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA).