Baler Operator 3rd Shift

Pratt Industries; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation plans

Full benefits package

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Pratt Industries in Valparaiso, IN is seeking a Baler Operator for the 3rd shift (11 pm – 7 am) to safely run the baler and hogger systems and produce high-quality bales. You will need to follow safety rules and keep the area clean while supporting production goals. Reports to the Corrugator Supervisor.

Starting wage is $18.70 per hour with opportunities for incentives and a comprehensive benefits package. This role requires attention to safety, teamwork, and the ability to operate forklift and

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.

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.

Job description

POSITION TITLE: BALER OPERATOR 3rd Shift (11 pm - 7 am)

REPORTS TO: Corrugator Supervisor

Starting Wage $18.70 per hour

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.

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

Additional Information

Pratt Industries is America’s 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 6,500 highly skilled employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than a dozen states. The company operates three of the most modern, cost-effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by “harvesting the urban forest.
Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, and paid holidays.

EEOC Statement

Pratt Industries provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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