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Bale Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fondomonte

Agriculture Maintenance Manager

Calipatria, CA · On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

Bale press equipment * Forklifts * Loaders * Trailers and support equipment * Mechanical systems * Welding and fabrication support * Coordinate and supervise maintenance work involving: * Mechanical ...

Fondomonte

Agriculture Maintenance Manager

Calipatria, CA · On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

Bale press equipment * Forklifts * Loaders * Trailers and support equipment * Mechanical systems * Welding and fabrication support * Coordinate and supervise maintenance work involving: * Mechanical ...

Brown & Root

Clamp Forklift Operator(no per diem)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Clamp Forklift Operator - Recycled Paper Bale Handling (Outdoor Environment) Position Summary: The Clamp Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of compacted bales of ...

Brown & Root

Clamp Forklift Operator(no per diem)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Clamp Forklift Operator - Recycled Paper Bale Handling (Outdoor Environment) Position Summary: The Clamp Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of compacted bales of ...

Brown & Root

Clamp Forklift Operator(no per diem)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Clamp Forklift Operator - Recycled Paper Bale Handling (Outdoor Environment) Position Summary: The Clamp Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of compacted bales of ...

GreenWaste Recovery LLC

Quality Control

San Jose, CA · On-site

GreenWaste is seeking to fill the position of Bale Dresser to provide support to one or more facilities. This role's main function will be removing contamination from bales of plastics, metals and ...

International Paper

Material Handler 2

Norwalk, CA

$22.66/hr

Complete and submit load sheet to accurately record bale count, loading start/stop times for finished goods on outbound shipments * Follow proper trailer loading and unloading lock-out/tag out ...

International Paper

Material Handler 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

$22.40/hr

Complete and submit load sheet to accurately record bale count, loading start/stop times for finished goods on outbound shipments * Follow proper trailer loading and unloading lock-out/tag out ...

International Paper

Material Handler 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

$22.40/hr

Complete and submit load sheet to accurately record bale count, loading start/stop times for finished goods on outbound shipments * Follow proper trailer loading and unloading lock-out/tag out ...

International Paper

Material Handler 2

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$22.66/hr

Complete and submit load sheet to accurately record bale count, loading start/stop times for finished goods on outbound shipments * Follow proper trailer loading and unloading lock-out/tag out ...

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How much do bale jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for bale in California is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bale operator?

To thrive as a Bale Operator, you need a strong understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and basic mechanical skills, usually acquired through on-the-job training or a high school diploma. Familiarity with baling machines, forklifts, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate processing of materials in manufacturing or recycling environments.

What is a bale operator?

Bale operators are workers responsible for handling, processing, and transporting bales—large, compacted bundles of materials such as hay, cotton, paper, or recyclable goods. Their duties often include operating machinery to compress and bind materials, moving finished bales using forklifts or pallet jacks, and ensuring that bales are properly labeled and stored. Bale operators play a crucial role in industries like agriculture, recycling, and manufacturing by helping manage bulk materials efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Bale vs Crane Operator?

AspectBaleCrane Operator
Required CertificationsMaterial handling, forklift, or specific bale handling certificationsCrane operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, farms, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial settings
Industry UsageAgriculture, manufacturing, logisticsConstruction, shipping, heavy industry

While both roles involve equipment operation, a Bale typically refers to handling and managing bales of materials like hay or textiles, requiring specific handling certifications. A Crane Operator specializes in operating cranes for lifting heavy loads in construction or industrial environments. The key differences lie in the equipment used, certifications required, and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in bale handling roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in bale handling roles often encounter challenges such as managing heavy or awkwardly shaped loads, maintaining safety standards, and operating machinery efficiently. To address these issues, it's important to follow proper lifting techniques, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and stay updated on safety protocols. Regular training on equipment operation and effective communication with team members can also help prevent accidents and ensure smooth workflow. Additionally, staying organized and planning the movement of bales can reduce physical strain and improve overall efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Bale jobs in California? For Bale jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bale jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Bale jobs in California are:
Bale jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bale job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,310 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Agriculture Maintenance Manager

Fondomonte

Calipatria, CA

$80K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Fondomonte is seeking an experienced and hands-on Agriculture Maintenance Manager to oversee workshop and maintenance operations at our bale press facility. This position is responsible for managing maintenance activities, coordinating repairs and special projects, supervising staff and contractors, and ensuring equipment and facility maintenance activities are performed safely, efficiently, and professionally.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience managing maintenance operations within an agricultural production environment, including hands-on maintenance and repair of bale press equipment, agricultural machinery, diesel-powered equipment, loaders, forklifts, and hydraulic systems. Candidates whose experience is limited to commercial facilities, building maintenance, or general manufacturing maintenance without agricultural equipment experience will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee daily workshop maintenance and operational support activities
  • Manage maintenance repairs and improvement projects involving:
    • Diesel big rigs
    • Bale press equipment
    • Forklifts
    • Loaders
    • Trailers and support equipment
    • Mechanical systems
    • Welding and fabrication support
  • Coordinate and supervise maintenance work involving: 
    • Mechanical repairs
    • Electrical troubleshooting
    • Hydraulic systems
    • Pneumatic systems
    • General equipment maintenance
  • Assign and coordinate maintenance work orders and labor schedules
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system issues
  • Ensure maintenance logs, inspections, reports, and documentation are completed accurately
  • Maintain safe, clean, and organized workshop operations and work areas
  • Train, mentor, and support maintenance personnel
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, and safety procedures
  • Monitor inventory and coordinate maintenance parts, tools, supplies, and consumables
  • Promote preventive maintenance practices to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
Important: This position requires prior experience supporting agricultural equipment and bale press or similar agricultural processing operations. Candidates whose primary experience is commercial facilities maintenance, property maintenance, building engineering, HVAC-only maintenance, or general facility management may not meet the minimum qualifications for this role. Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of maintenance leadership experience supporting agricultural equipment, hay production operations, forage processing facilities, bale press operations, or similar agricultural production environments.
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining and troubleshooting:
    • Bale press equipment
    • Agricultural production equipment
    • Diesel-powered trucks and tractors
    • Loaders, forklifts, and material handling equipment
    • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Experience managing maintenance personnel, contractors, and repair projects.
  • Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance programs for agricultural and heavy equipment.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and operational equipment failures.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in hay press, forage, alfalfa, cotton gin, grain handling, feed mill, agricultural processing, or similar agricultural operations.
  • Welding and fabrication experience.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish.
  • Experience managing maintenance operations in a 24/7 agricultural production environment.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift as needed
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
Why Join Fondomonte?
  • Competitive compensation
  • Benefits package
  • Growth and leadership opportunities
  • Team-oriented work environment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 - $87,000 DOQ per year

Schedule:

  • 10 hour shift

Education:

  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Maintenance: 10 years (Preferred)
  • Management: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License 

Fondomonte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe and professional workplace for all employees.

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