Baler Operator 2nd Shift

Pratt Industries, Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 45,546,000 - 61,620,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Industries, Inc. is seeking a Baler Operator for the 3pm-11pm shift to safely operate baler and hogger systems, producing neat, high-quality bales. The role emphasizes safety, housekeeping, and equipment upkeep while supporting production operations.

Starting wage is $18.70 per hour. Applicants must be able to work in an industrial environment and follow all safety procedures and lockout/tagout rules.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate forklifts safely.
• Strong attention to safety procedures and housekeeping.
• Good communication skills for shift handoffs and teamwork.
• Willingness to work in an industrial environment with dust, noise, and heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor baler and hogger equipment to process scrap material.
• Feed scrap safely into the system and monitor for jams.
• Run the baler to produce neat, consistent bales and load trailers.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures before clearing jams or performing checks.
• Maintain bale reports and keep areas clean and organized.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Team communication

Tools

Baler system

Hogger system

Job description

POSITION TITLE: BALER OPERATOR - 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm)

Starting Wage: $18.70 per hour

REPORTS TO: Corrugator Supervisor / Lead

Overview

The Baler Operator is responsible for safely operating the baler and hogger systems to process scrap paper and corrugated material into neat, high-quality bales. This role requires attention to safety, housekeeping, and equipment upkeep while supporting production operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and Monitor Equipment
• Operate the hogger and feed scrap safely into the system.
• Run the baler to produce neat, consistent bales.
• Watch for jams, stop equipment immediately if needed, and notify supervision or maintenance.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures before clearing jams or performing checks.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company and OSHA safety rules, including use of PPE (gloves required in the baler room).
• Never place hands or body parts in the baler or hogger areas.
• Maintain awareness of forklift traffic, sound horn at cross-aisles, and drive cautiously when loading trailers.
• Keep exits and walkways clear at all times.

Daily Operation & Housekeeping

• Inspect baler and hogger area at the start of each shift; report issues to supervision.
• Keep floors swept and free of wire, trash, or debris.
• Bale and remove scrap as required, stacking bales correctly in trailers.
• Maintain accurate bale reports and ensure scrap is tagged properly.

Shift Handoffs & Clean-Up

• Communicate problems and concerns with incoming operator at shift change.
• Clear scrap from behind ram, sweep and blow down baler and hogger, and empty trash cans.
• Refuel forklift to at least half a tank before turnover.

Supplies & Maintenance

• Monitor and maintain inventories of baling wire, tags, and supplies.
• Turn in maintenance work orders for needed repairs; be proactive in reporting issues.
• Assist with weekend clean-up by emptying buggies, baling remaining scrap, and dusting walls and support beams.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate forklifts safely.
• Strong attention to safety procedures and housekeeping standards.
• Good communication skills for shift handoffs and teamwork.
• Willingness to work in an industrial environment with dust, noise, and heavy equipment.