Operator, Baler/Blendomat-Day Shift

Gildan; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

New hire bonus

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Gildan, a leading apparel manufacturer, seeks a Baler Operator in Sanford, NC. You will safely operate baling equipment, stage and move bales, and maintain a clean work area in a dusty, non-climate-controlled environment.

This full-time role requires adherence to safety procedures and ability to work with forklifts and tow motors when certified. Salary starts at $15 training, increases to $16.45 on night shift; pay ranges from $17.00 to $19.41 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to learn and safely operate forklifts, tow motors, and baling equipment.
• Strong attention to safety and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate baling equipment to compress and prepare materials for recycling or disposal.
• Stage, move, and position cotton or polyester bales for production.
• Maintain housekeeping in the baler room and surrounding area.
• Follow safety procedures and wear PPE as required.
• Assist with forklift or tow motor operations after certification.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Equipment learning

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Baling equipment

Job description

Who we are

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, with a strong portfolio of brands, including Gildan®, Hanes®, Comfort Colors®, American Apparel®, ALLPRO™, GOLDTOE®, Peds®, Bali®, Playtex®, Maidenform®, Bonds®, as well as Champion® which is under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel in the U.S. and Canada. Together with our global team of dedicated employees, Gildan is united in its vision of Making Apparel Better®. Discover the full scale of Gildan and prepare to be surprised at gildancorp.com.

The opportunity

The Baler Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating equipment used to process, prepare, and bale materials within the opening and blending department. This position plays a key role in maintaining a clean and organized work area while ensuring raw materials are handled properly and production standards are met. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a commitment to workplace safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate baling equipment to compress and prepare materials for recycling or disposal.
• Cut, remove, and properly dispose of bale wrapping, wire ties, plastic, burlap, and other packaging materials.
• Stage, move, and position cotton or polyester bales as required for production.
• Utilize band cutters and other tools to safely open and prepare bales.
• Maintain housekeeping standards by sweeping and cleaning the baler room and surrounding work area.
• Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, sleeves, face shields, and respirators when required.
• Assist with forklift or tow motor operations after obtaining proper certification.
• Monitor materials for contamination and report quality concerns to supervision.
• Perform routine inspections of equipment and report any maintenance concerns.
• Assist with other departmental duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to learn and safely operate forklifts, tow motors, and baling equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to safety and quality requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work in a dusty, non-climate-controlled environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and maneuver heavy materials.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with dust and varying temperatures.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods.

This position works in a manufacturing and production environment where exposure to dust, noise, moving equipment, and non-climate-controlled conditions is common. Safety procedures must be followed at all times.

What’s in it for you?

• Join one of the world’s most sustainably managed companies.
• Interact and gain visibility to high level individuals to help take your career to new heights.
• Join a collaborative work culture centered around values of empowerment, entrepreneurial spirit, and responsibility.
• Benefit from mentorship and development opportunities.
• Take advantage and have access to our competitive benefits packages.
• $1,000 New Hire Bonus! $500 after 30 days of employment and another $500 after 60 days of employment.

Come as you are:

Join a company that recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a successful and dynamic work environment. As a an equal-opportunity employer, we value and embrace all the characteristics that make you uniquely you and seek to provide everyone with an equal chance to succeed. Because equity and inclusion matter at Gildan.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: From $15.00 during training and $16.45 on night shift once fully trained

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• $1000 New Hire Bonus
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12-hour night shift
• 8am to 8pm or 8pm to 8am
• Weekend availability-every other weekend

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sanford, NC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In Person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.41 per hour

Expected hours: 36 – 48 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

What's in it for you

• Join a leader in apparel manufacturing with strong safety and environmental standards
• Be part of a diverse workplace with fun workplace activities
• Benefit from continuous training opportunities
• Take advantage of our attractive benefits packages

Find your fit with us

We are committed to ensuring that everyone, across every background and identity, feels respected, supported, and able to thrive. Come as you are and #FindYourFit at Gildan. Tailor the future of your own career.