Baler Operator – Recycling Facility

Tank's Recycling and Landfill; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k)

Paid training

Growth opportunities

Job summary

The Fairfax Companies in Tucson, AZ is seeking a dependable Baler Operator to lead the cardboard baling operation at our Speedway facility. You will run the two-ram baler, manage the line, and coordinate with two laborers and an excavator operator to maintain steady production.

Responsibilities include setting up and adjusting the baler, monitoring feed and bale quality, and performing preventive maintenance. Valid LO TO knowledge and safety-first mindset required.

Qualifications

• 1+ year operating a baler, compactor, or similar industrial/production equipment (horizontal baler experience strongly preferred).
• Comfortable reading control panels, adjusting settings, and diagnosing basic mechanical and hydraulic problems.
• Working knowledge of LOTO and a serious commitment to safety.
• Able to direct and work alongside a small crew.

Responsibilities

• Operate the two-ram horizontal baler from the control panel, including startup, shutdown, cycle settings, and bale length/density adjustments.
• Monitor feed rate and material flow, and coordinate with the excavator operator and laborers to keep the hopper loaded without jams or overfeeding.
• Watch for and remove contamination that affects bale quality or damages equipment.
• Manage wire tying, bale ejection, and staging of finished bales for loading and shipment.
• Perform daily pre-shift inspections, including hydraulics, wire tier, shear blade, and safety interlocks.
• Handle routine maintenance: greasing, cleaning, wire restocking, and minor adjustments.
• Troubleshoot jams, misties, and fault codes; report bigger mechanical issues promptly.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures every time you enter or service the machine.
• Keep daily production logs (bale counts, weights, downtime, and issues).
• Keep the baler area clean, organized, and safe.

Skills

Baler operation

Safety consciousness

LOTO knowledge

Team leadership

Control panel reading

Job description

About Us

The Fairfax Companies is a Tucson-based family of businesses serving Southern Arizona through recycling, landfill and disposal services, roll-off rentals, aggregate materials, and Tank's Green Stuff compost products. We're expanding our cardboard recycling operation at our Speedway facility and are looking for a dependable, mechanically minded Baler Operator to run it.

About Us

The Fairfax Companies is a Tucson-based family of businesses serving Southern Arizona through recycling, landfill and disposal services, roll-off rentals, aggregate materials, and Tank's Green Stuff compost products. We're expanding our cardboard recycling operation at our Speedway facility and are looking for a dependable, mechanically minded Baler Operator to run it.

The Role

You'll be the lead operator of our two-ram horizontal baler, responsible for running the control system, keeping the line moving, and producing consistent, well-tied, shippable bales. You'll work alongside two laborers and an excavator operator who feed and support the line, so you'll set the pace and coordinate the crew's work around the machine.

What You'll Do

• Operate the two-ram horizontal baler from the control panel, including startup, shutdown, cycle settings, and bale length/density adjustments
• Monitor feed rate and material flow, and coordinate with the excavator operator and laborers to keep the hopper loaded without jams or overfeeding
• Watch for and remove contamination (plastics, metals, trash) that affects bale quality or damages equipment
• Manage wire tying, bale ejection, and staging of finished bales for loading and shipment
• Perform daily pre-shift inspections, including hydraulics, wire tier, shear blade, and safety interlocks
• Handle routine maintenance: greasing, cleaning, wire restocking, and minor adjustments
• Troubleshoot jams, misties, and fault codes; report bigger mechanical issues promptly
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures every time you enter or service the machine
• Keep daily production logs (bale counts, weights, downtime, and issues)
• Keep the baler area clean, organized, and safe

What We're Looking For

• 1+ year operating a baler, compactor, or similar industrial/production equipment (horizontal baler experience strongly preferred)
• Comfortable reading control panels, adjusting settings, and diagnosing basic mechanical and hydraulic problems
• Working knowledge of LOTO and a serious commitment to safety
• Able to direct and work alongside a small crew
• Reliable, punctual, and steady at a production pace
• Able to stand for full shifts, lift up to 50 lbs, and work outdoors in Tucson heat
• Valid driver's license

What We Offer

• Steady weekday schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm
• $20/hr depending on experience
• Health insurance / PTO / paid holidays / 401(k)
• Paid training on our equipment and safety procedures
• Room to grow with a locally owned company with several operations across Tucson

Must be drug-free and submit to a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Salary: $20 - $20 per hour