Night Baler Operator – Recycle Plant (OT, 401k, Health)

Homewood Disposal Inc.; Hazel Crest (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Matching

Health Care Coverage

Immediate Start

Job summary

Diversified Recycling, Inc. is seeking a hardworking operator to run the baler and associated conveyors at our East Hazel Crest, IL facility.

The role requires following safety protocols, standing for long periods, and lifting up to 50 pounds as needed, with overtime and weekend shifts possible. The position involves monitoring bale quality and machine performance, coordinating with other line operators, and maintaining accurate production records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, recognize safety hazards, and accurately complete basic production logs.
• Ability to work safely around industrial machinery, moving conveyors, forklift traffic, dust, and noise.
• Reliable attendance and willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, or weekends as operational needs require.

Responsibilities

• Operate the baler, feed conveyors, discharge systems, and related controls in accordance with training and established procedures.
• Start up, monitor, and shut down baler equipment safely; observe alarms, pressure, cycle times, and machine performance.
• Ensure correct recyclable material grades are being baled; prevent cross-contamination and notify the supervisor of quality concerns.
• Monitor bale size, weight, density, shape, and tying integrity to meet plant and buyer specifications.
• Monitor wire-tie or strapping operation, verify secure ties, and report defective ties, jams, or wire feed problems.
• Replenish approved wire or tying supplies as trained and authorized; safely handle and store baling wire.
• Observe incoming material flow and coordinate with sort line, loader, forklift, and other operators to avoid overfeeding or backups.
• Perform pre-use checks of guards, emergency stops, controls, conveyors, hydraulic systems, and visible leaks; report defects promptly.
• Identify unusual noises, vibrations, overheating, leaks, or mechanical issues; stop and notify the supervisor or maintenance as required.
• Never reach into moving equipment, bypass guards, or clear a jam without proper shutdown and authorized lockout/tagout procedures.
• Coordinate with qualified maintenance personnel during breakdowns, jams, adjustments, planned service, and restart verification.
• Record bale counts, material grades, downtime reasons, equipment concerns, and other production information accurately.
• Assist with bale identification, labeling, staging, and accurate inventory tracking as assigned; coordinate safe bale removal with forklift operators.
• Keep the baler area, walkways, access points, wire storage, and surrounding workstations clean and free of trip and fire hazards.
• Control loose material, dust, and debris using approved cleaning methods; report spills and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Follow all PPE, machine guarding, pedestrian separation, mobile-equipment traffic, and site safety requirements.
• Communicate production status, quality issues, breakdowns, and unfinished work during shift handoff.
• Assist with other MRF production and housekeeping duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Able to stand for long periods

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Baler operation

Conveyor systems

Job description

Diversified Recycling, Inc. is seeking a hardworking operator to run the baler and associated conveyors at our East Hazel Crest, IL facility.

The role requires following safety protocols, standing for long periods, and lifting up to 50 pounds as needed, with overtime and weekend shifts possible. The position involves monitoring bale quality and machine performance, coordinating with other line operators, and maintaining accurate production records.