Production Machine Operator - Fabric Preparation (Training Provided)

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Position Type: Full-Time
Starting Pay: $20–$23/hour
Schedule: 8 AM–4 PM, Monday to Friday. No evenings or weekends.
Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from work is required.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. We're hiring for this position now.

To help us with the application review process, please include the year TagsForHope was founded at the top of your application or cover letter. Hint: check our website!

Why TagsForHope

We're TagsForHope, and we manufacture some of the most loved pet accessories in the world, right here in Canada.

But here's the part we're most proud of: our mission is to make the world a better place for animals.

We partner with dozens of rescue organizations around the world to help save animals' lives, and every product that leaves our factory plays a part in that. When you work here, what you create with your hands actually matters.

This isn't a faceless corporate factory. We're a close team that genuinely cares about what we're building, takes pride in doing things well, and supports one another along the way.

The Role at a Glance

We're hiring a full-time Production Machine Operator to join our Fabric Preparation Department.

This team prepares the materials and components our sewing team needs to manufacture pet collars, leashes, harnesses, bandanas, and other products. When materials are cut, printed, stitched, and counted correctly, the entire production process runs smoothly.

You'll work with a growing range of equipment that may include:

• Automated fabric-cutting machines
• Fabric laser cutters
• Industrial sewing and stitching machines
• Sublimation and printing equipment
• Fabric hot knives
• Hand and power tools
• Equipment used to cut and prepare neoprene
• Other fabric preparation and production machinery

Previous production or machine-operating experience is preferred, but we will train the right person on our specific equipment and processes.

This is not simply a “press a button and wait” position. You'll be responsible for setting up materials, monitoring machines, inspecting finished components, counting inventory, identifying problems, and ensuring everything meets our quality standards.

Our company is constantly evolving. We introduce new machines, improve our processes, adopt new technology, and discover better ways to manufacture our products. You'll need to enjoy learning and be comfortable adapting as the department changes.

A Typical Day

• Operate different production machines safely and efficiently
• Load, position, cut, print, stitch, and prepare fabric and neoprene materials
• Follow production specifications, measurements, and work instructions
• Inspect completed materials for accuracy, quality, and defects
• Count, label, organize, and record prepared components and inventory
• Keep the sewing team supplied with the correct materials
• Perform routine machine cleaning and basic operator maintenance
• Report equipment problems, material shortages, and quality concerns
• Meet production targets while maintaining accuracy
• Keep your work area clean, organized, and safe
• Cross-train on new machines and processes as the department evolves
• Work with teammates to solve problems and improve how we prepare materials

Some parts of the job are repetitive, but every piece must be produced correctly. Remaining focused and maintaining quality throughout the day are essential.

The Physical Side

This is an active, hands-on production position. You should be comfortable:

• Standing and moving around the production area for much of the day
• Reaching, bending, and performing repetitive hand and arm movements
• Handling rolls and sheets of fabric and neoprene
• Lifting and carrying boxes, materials, and production supplies
• Working safely around cutting equipment, hot surfaces, moving machinery, and power tools
• Wearing required protective equipment and following established safety procedures
  

You'd Be a Great Fit If

• You enjoy working with machines, tools, and physical materials
• You have production, manufacturing, machine-operating, printing, sewing, fabrication, warehouse, or similar hands-on experience
• You're mechanically curious and interested in understanding how equipment works
• You learn new machines and processes quickly
• You can work at a fast pace without sacrificing accuracy
• You have a sharp eye for detail and notice when something isn't right
• You're comfortable counting and organizing inventory accurately
• You're reliable, disciplined, and arrive ready to contribute
• You can stay focused while completing repetitive work
• You follow instructions and safety procedures carefully
• You're flexible when priorities, equipment, or processes change
• You take pride in keeping your workspace clean and organized
• You're willing to help wherever the production team needs you
• You're looking for a place where you can stay, learn, and grow
• You love animals and care about making their lives better
  

We value commitment, and it shows when someone has invested meaningful time with past employers. If layoffs, contracts, family responsibilities, or life events shaped your employment history, tell us the story in your cover letter.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• $20–$23/hour, (plus possible profit-sharing bonuses)
• Full benefits after the three-month probationary period
• Consistent Monday-to-Friday schedule from 8 AM–4 PM
• No evenings or weekends
• Hands-on training across different production equipment
• Opportunities to learn new machinery and manufacturing technology
• A supportive team that invests in your development
• Opportunities to advance as the company grows
• Pet-friendly workplace
• Free TagsForHope products

When new positions become available, we look internally first. Our strongest and most dependable people get the first opportunity to grow with us.

Ready? Here's How to Apply

Click “Apply to Position” and include:

1. The year TagsForHope was founded at the top of your application
2. Your resume
3. A short cover letter answering these three questions:

• What's the longest you've stayed at one job, and what kept you there?
• Why are you leaving your current job, or why did you leave your most recent position?
• Tell us about a machine, tool, or hands-on process you learned. How did you make sure your work was accurate?
  

We receive a large volume of applications. Applications that do not include these requirements may not be reviewed.

TagsForHope is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to building an inclusive, welcoming workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We appreciate all applicants, but only candidates selected for the next steps will be contacted.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, let us know and we'll work with you to provide it.

AI Disclosure: TagsForHope does not use automated artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. Every application is reviewed by a real person on our team.

All interviewed applicants will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their last interview.