Baler Forklift Operator

Red White & Blue Thrift Store; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Red White & Blue Thrift Store in Tampa, FL is seeking a Baler / Forklift Operator to manage baler and forklift tasks, feed materials, and ensure safe, efficient operations. The role supports recycling and storage optimization while maintaining safety protocols.

The position requires ability to operate baler and forklift, with preferred thrift/retail/warehouse experience and a high school diploma or GED. Joining the team means contributing to a fast-paced environment with strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in thrift/retail or warehouse environments is preferred but not required.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to safely operate forklift and baler is expected.

Responsibilities

• Operate baler and forklift to process materials.
• Feed materials into baler's hopper and ensure proper compaction.
• Securely tie and label bales before moving to storage areas with a forklift.
• Perform routine maintenance and keep work areas clean and organized.
• Collaborate with team to meet production targets and support thrift store operations.

Skills

Forklift operation

Baler operation

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posted Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Pay Range: $16.00 to $18.00 per hour

Employment eligibility is verified through E-Verify

Job Summary

As a Baler / Forklift Operator at RWB Thrift, you play a crucial role in the efficient operation of the baler machine and forklift activities. Your primary responsibilities include collecting, sorting, and feeding materials such as clothing, textiles, cardboard, or plastics into the baler\'s hopper. You will monitor the machine\'s controls to ensure it applies the appropriate amount of pressure to compact materials into tight bales, and securely tie and label resulting bales before moving them to designated storage areas using a forklift. Safety is paramount, and you will follow strict guidelines and protocols to prevent accidents and maintain equipment. Your role not only maximizes storage space and streamlines operations but also supports the thrift store\'s sustainability efforts by facilitating recycling and waste reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain baler machines and forklifts to efficiently process and transport materials such as clothing, textiles, cardboard, or plastics
• Feed materials into the baler\'s hopper and monitor controls to ensure proper compaction into tight bales
• Securely tie and label bales before transporting them to designated storage areas using a forklift
• Operate and maintain various equipment, including baler machines, trash compactors, and janitorial tools, ensuring they function safely and efficiently
• Organize and sort donated items, ensuring accurate documentation and placement in designated areas
• Follow strict safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain a safe work environment
• Communicate effectively with team members, following store procedures and coordinating operations to streamline processes
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas, including baler and storage areas
• Collaborate with team members to achieve production targets and support thrift store operations
• Support recycling and waste reduction efforts in alignment with company policies and procedures

Qualifications

• Previous thrift, retail, warehouse, or back of house experience is preferred, but not required
• High school diploma or GED preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to Safely Perform Job Functions: Capable of safely and effectively performing essential job functions in accordance with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting both qualitative and quantitative productivity requirements.
• Physical Strength: Must have the ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 70 lbs, frequently exert up to 25 lbs. of force, and constantly apply negligible force when handling objects.
• Endurance: Able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficient in performing repetitive motions such as extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction and working primarily with fingers rather than the whole hand or arm.
• Fine Motor Skills: Skilled in tasks involving seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands.
• Balance and Agility: Capable of maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces, as well as maintaining balance when performing agile tasks.
• Visual Acuity: Possesses clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Atmosphere: The work environment is dynamic and characterized by a consistently busy atmosphere. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and busy environment is essential for this role.
• Noise Level: The work environment is noisy due to the bustling activity on the sales floor and the production area. Due to the nature of our operations, the ability to work effectively in a noisy environment is a requirement for this role.
• Lighting: The work environment is characterized by bright lighting throughout the front and back of store, which is integral to our operational requirements. Due to the nature of our operations, the ability to work effectively in a bright environment is a requirement for this role.
• Interactions with Others: The role involves regular interactions with customers, donors, and coworkers, fostering a collaborative and customer-focused environment. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are a requirement for this role.
• Flexibility: The nature of this role requires a high degree of flexibility. Employees may be asked to switch tasks or departments based on operational needs. Employees are expected to work in all areas as assigned, contributing to a well-rounded and collaborative team environment.

Language Requirements

• Employees are not required to communicate exclusively in English within the workplace. However, the nature of the position may entail interactions with customers, donors, colleagues, and supervisors who primarily use English. In such instances, a fundamental understanding of written and spoken English for comprehending instructions, as well as the ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English, may be necessary.

Other Requirements

Dependability: Effective performers demonstrate regular and punctual attendance. They behave consistently and predictably; are reliable and dependable in fulfilling their professional obligations.

Integrity: Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly. They apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities. They take responsibility for their actions.

Humility: Effective performers recognize one\'s own limitations, being open to learning from others, and treating everyone with respect and dignity.

Adaptability: Effective performers are adaptable. They embrace needed change and modify their behavior when appropriate to achieve organizational objectives. They are effective in the face of uncertainty.

Inclusion: Effective performers create and participate in an inclusive environment. They value and respect diversity, and foster a sense of belonging for all individuals.

Team Player: Effective performers are team oriented. They identify with the larger team and their role within it. They prioritize the collective success of the team over personal achievements.

Informal Communication: Effective performers clearly and articulately convey information to others in casual or informal situations. They understand that communication happens through verbal and nonverbal cues, and are able to interpret body language accurately and use it appropriately.

Professionalism: Effective performers conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with organizational values, policies, and standards. This requires a commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and respect for diversity, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We\'re dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team and designing employee experiences that contribute to your growth as much as you do to ours. We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and supportive of all individuals. We encourage qualified individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that they have equal access to employment opportunities.