Baler Operator 3rd Shift

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

Job summary

Pratt Industries, Inc. in Valparaiso, IN is seeking a Baler Operator for the 3rd shift (11 pm – 7 am). You will safely operate the baler and hogger systems to process scrap paper and corrugated material into high-quality bales.

Train to follow lockout/tagout procedures, maintain housekeeping, and support production while ensuring safety compliance. Strong communication and teamwork are essential in this industrial environment.

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 baler and hogger systems.
• Feed scrap into system safely using the hogger.
• Run the baler to produce neat, consistent bales.
• Watch for jams; stop equipment and notify supervision.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures before clears.
• Inspect baler/hogger area at shift start; report issues.
• Keep floors swept; remove wire, trash, debris.
• Bale and remove scrap; stack bales in trailers.
• Maintain bale reports and tag scrap.
• Shift handoffs: communicate problems with incoming operator.
• Clear scrap from behind ram; clean baler/hogger area.
• Refuel forklift to at least half a tank before turnover.
• Monitor inventories of baling wire, tags, supplies.
• Submit maintenance work orders; report issues.
• Weekend cleanup duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans