1

Bale Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quality Control

San Jose, CA · On-site

$23.78 - $25/hr

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 ...

Be Seen First

Slip sheet/ Bale pack experience* * MUST HAVE Experience-Receiving material with and without pallets- Double Pallet-Sit Down (the stacks without the pallets) * Complete and document daily forklift ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Material Packer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.15/hr

Record bag weights, de-bag PET flake and Una-Dyn Pellet, remove trash, and use a bag baling machine to bale empty bags. Essential Functions * Monitor PET output in accordance with production goals.

Material Packer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Record bag weights, de-bag PET flake and Una-Dyn Pellet, remove trash, and use a bag baling machine to bale empty bags. Essential Functions * Monitor PET output in accordance with production goals.

Make sure that the print on the bale is dark and can clearly be read. * Notify operator or supervisor of any product that has not met correct manufacturing specifications. * Check run order to make ...

Associate - Material Handling

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $18.75/hr

QUALITY: 1. Ensure all bales meet customer requirements including UPC code, item number, bag count and customers name if required. 2. Make sure that the print on the bale is dark and can clearly be ...

Showing results 21-40

Bale information

See California salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do bale jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Bale jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Bale jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Bale job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,310 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Quality Control

GreenWaste Recovery LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

$23.78 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


 

Title: Quality Control

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Reports To: Shift Supervisor

Department: 485

Pay: $23.78 - $25.00


About the Company:

 

GreenWaste has been an industry leader in recycling and waste diversion for 40 years and is on a growth trajectory after private equity investment in 2021. Our business was founded on principles of environmental sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of our ongoing operations and growth strategy. GreenWaste specializes in all aspects of material collection, processing, and sales, tailoring our service offerings to the unique needs of our customers and communities, and helping to shape the evolution of the solid waste and recycling industry. We work directly with 20+ municipalities and 50+ jurisdictions, operate highly regulated facilities in 10+ locations, and have 1,000+ employees. 

We are seeking an experienced, successful, and engaged Quality Control worker to support our baler dressing operation. This position is expected to work out of our office at San Jose MRF, and limited job-related travel may be required.

Position Summary:

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 paper products using pliers and utility knives. 


Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

 

  • Properly follow company and OSHA safety procedures to ensure safety.
  • Ability to follow directions, daily procedures, and protocols.
  • Must be able to identify contamination and remove them from the bales.
  • Work as a team with other bale dressers in close quarters.
  • Communicate with other team members to maximize productivity.
  • Ability to stand and clean material for extended periods of time in front of the bales requires the use of both hands with good manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
  • Checking that all bales are dressed to company standards.


 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

 

  • Ability to work well with other employees in a team environment and communicate to ensure safety.
  • Good manual dexterity and hand eye coordination.
  • Work well without constant direct supervision and achieve the desired results.
  • The ability to distinguish between commodities with ease in order to dress the material properly.


Qualifications:


  • Current California Identification

 

 

Language Skill:

 

  • Proficiency in English and/or Spanish 


Physical Demands:


  • Requires constant pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, and kneeling while removing material from the bales.
  • The ability to work in changing conditions based on the daily needs of the company.
  • Working outside in areas that can be loud, dusty with changing weather conditions.
  • The ability to constantly grip, push and pull with pliers and utility knives to perform the task.




Work Environment


Requires working in a fast-paced work environment where there is exposure to loud noises, heat, cold, sharp objects, and odors. Requires the use of a hard hat, safety glasses, work boots, safety vests, gloves and cut resistant clothing at all times. Work shifts vary. Regular workday is generally M-F with some mandatory overtime on weekends as needed.


Compensation and Benefits

 

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience. GreenWaste offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, holiday pay, 401K benefits, FSA, long term disability and full employee coverage for medical, dental and vision insurance.







GreenWaste provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.


This Organization Participates in E-Verify. Esta Organización Participa en E-Verify.