Baler Operator

Ameristaff; Ridgeway (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

AmeriStaff, Inc. is seeking a Baler Operator to safely operate and monitor industrial baling equipment used to compress and bundle recyclables or processed materials. You will ensure bale quality and maintain a clean, safe workspace.

The role offers a pay rate of $17.92 per hour with 12-hour rotating shifts on a 4-on/4-off cycle. Day shifts 7:00 AM–7:00 PM and night shifts 7:00 PM–7:00 AM, with rotations after each 4 days off.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or machine operating experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn machine operation and production processes.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and production specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and work effectively in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor industrial baling equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Feed and prepare recyclable or processed materials for the baler.
• Inspect materials and remove items that could damage equipment or negatively affect bale quality.
• Monitor bale size, density, weight, and overall quality to ensure production requirements are met.
• Tie, wrap, label, and stage completed bales for storage or shipment as required.
• Operate conveyors, compactors, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other related equipment when properly trained and authorized.
• Perform routine inspections of the baler and surrounding equipment.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, jams, or unsafe conditions and promptly notify the appropriate supervisor or maintenance personnel.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and orderly baler and production area.
• Follow all company safety policies, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate production, bale, and equipment records as required.
• Assist with routine equipment cleaning and basic preventative maintenance.
• Communicate production issues, equipment concerns, and material problems to supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety consciousness

Willingness to learn

Reading work instructions

Teamwork

Punctuality

Reliability

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

AmeriStaff, Inc. is currently seeking Baler Operators responsible for safely and efficiently operating and monitoring industrial baling equipment used to compress and bundle recyclable or processed materials.

The Baler Operator ensures that completed bales meet established quality and production standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, detail-oriented, and willing to learn machine operation and production processes.

Pay Rate: $17.92 per hour
Shift: 12-Hour Rotating Shifts
Schedule: 4 Days On / 4 Days Off
Shift Hours:

• Day Shift: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Night Shift: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Shift Rotation

This position operates on a rotating 4-on/4-off schedule. Employees will rotate between day and night shifts. Each time an employee returns from their 4 days off, they will switch from day shift to night shift, or vice versa.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor industrial baling equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Feed and prepare recyclable or processed materials for the baler.
• Inspect materials and remove items that could damage equipment or negatively affect bale quality.
• Monitor bale size, density, weight, and overall quality to ensure production requirements are met.
• Tie, wrap, label, and stage completed bales for storage or shipment as required.
• Operate conveyors, compactors, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other related equipment when properly trained and authorized.
• Perform routine inspections of the baler and surrounding equipment.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, jams, or unsafe conditions and promptly notify the appropriate supervisor or maintenance personnel.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and orderly baler and production area.
• Follow all company safety policies, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate production, bale, and equipment records as required.
• Assist with routine equipment cleaning and basic preventative maintenance.
• Communicate production issues, equipment concerns, and material problems to supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous manufacturing or machine operating experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn machine operation and production processes.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and production specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and work effectively in a manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and work safely around machinery.
• Ability to lift and move materials as required by the position.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to heat, noise, and moving equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other protective equipment as required.

Safety & Quality Responsibilities

The Baler Operator is responsible for maintaining a safe and productive work environment by following all company safety policies, operating procedures, and PPE requirements.

Operators must remain alert and exercise caution around moving machinery, promptly report unsafe conditions or equipment concerns, and follow proper procedures when clearing equipment jams or conducting inspections.

Attention to detail, proper equipment operation, adherence to safety procedures, and maintaining a clean and organized work area are essential to ensuring product quality and workplace safety.

Working Conditions

This position is performed in a manufacturing/production environment and may involve exposure to:

• Industrial machinery and moving equipment
• Heat and varying environmental conditions
• Recyclable or processed materials
• Extended periods of standing and walking
• All employees are expected to follow applicable safety, environmental, and PPE requirements at all times.

Since 1985, AmeriStaff Employment & Staffing Solutions has been providing staffing support to companies throughout Virginia and North Carolina. AmeriStaff's first clients were mostly textile and furniture. From our beginnings in seasonal industrial staffing, we have expanded to include: healthcare, nursing, clerical, accounting, technical, direct hire and temp to hire, just to name a few. In addition to servicing a wide variety of clients, we have also provided tens of thousands of job seekers with employment opportunities. AmeriStaff has 8 locations servicing Virginia and North Carolina. Our service areas in Virginia include: South Boston, Halifax County, Mecklenburg, Chase City, Clarksville, Danville, Pittsylvania County, Chatham, Martinsville, Henry County, Rocky Mount, Franklin County, Stuart, Patrick County. In North Carolina, we service: Eden, Reidsville, Rockingham County, Stoneville, Madison, Greensboro, High Point, Yanceyville, Roxboro, Person County, Burlington, Mebane and surrounding areas.