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Baler Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Ocala, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

Carpenter Co.

Machine Operator 2nd shift

Lakeland, FL

$17.90/hr

Place excess trim material in baler. Bale and secure trim material for transport to grinding ... Forklift operator certification or ability to obtain a company forklift license. * Must be able to ...

Carpenter Co.

Machine Operator 2nd shift

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.90/hr

Place excess trim material in baler. Bale and secure trim material for transport to grinding ... Forklift operator certification or ability to obtain a company forklift license. * Must be able to ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Forklift Operator

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Operates cardboard baler. * Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials. * Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery. * Assists with department duties as necessary. * Assists ...

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Baler Operator information

See Florida salary details

$5

$12

$16

How much do baler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler operator in Florida is $12.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $13.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a baler operator?

A baler operator controls and maintains an automatic machine that bales rubber pellets. As a baler operator, your primary duties are to calibrate the machine, observe the meters on the machine during operation, and take the wet bales out of the machine. Qualifications needed for a career as a baler operator include a high school diploma or GED certificate, job experience operating heavy machinery or postsecondary training to prepare you for mechanical operations, mechanical skills, a keen eye for detail, and knowledge of all safety practices.

What does a baler operator do?

A Baler Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining baling machines that compress materials like cardboard, paper, plastics, or textiles into compact bales for recycling or disposal. They monitor the machine to ensure proper operation, clear jams, and tie off completed bales. Baler Operators also inspect materials for contaminants and maintain a clean and safe work area. Their role is essential in recycling centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities to promote efficient waste management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a baler operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Baler Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial balers, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift certification are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure efficient, safe operation and quick response to equipment issues. These skills are essential for maintaining productivity, preventing accidents, and ensuring the smooth processing of recyclable materials.

What are some common challenges baler operators face and how can they be addressed on the job?

Baler Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, material jams, and maintaining consistent output quality. Staying attentive during operations and performing regular equipment inspections can help prevent major breakdowns. Additionally, effective communication with maintenance teams and following established safety protocols are crucial for resolving issues promptly and ensuring a safe work environment. Many facilities also provide ongoing training to help operators troubleshoot problems and improve efficiency.

What is the difference between Baler Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectBaler OperatorForklift Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in recycling plants, warehouses, manufacturing facilitiesWorks in warehouses, distribution centers, construction sites
Job DutiesOperates balers to compress recyclable materials or wasteOperates forklifts to move pallets and materials
Industry UsageCommon in recycling, waste management, manufacturingCommon in logistics, warehousing, construction

While both roles involve equipment operation and safety certifications, Baler Operators focus on compressing recyclable materials using baling machines, primarily in recycling or waste management industries. Forklift Operators handle material movement within warehouses and distribution centers. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and industry interests.

More about Baler Operator jobs

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For Baler Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Baler Operator jobs in Florida are:

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For Baler Operator jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Baler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baler Operator job openings in Florida as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,018 per year, or $12 per hour.

Forklift Operator 3rd shift 21.50

Lakeland, FL • On-site

Graham Packaging Company
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Graham Packaging Companyexternal

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Graham Packaging rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Company Statement
Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life.
For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.
At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce.
We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do-together-to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.
Overview
Graham Packaging Company is looking for a Forklift Operator based in lakeland .
Forklift Operator 3rd shift 21.50
Forklift Operators perform a combination of product handling and lift truck operating duties to stack, transport, and store work-in-process and finished goods. Supplies production lines with efficient flow of materials - knockdowns and dividers - and moves finished goods to warehouse. Complete line driver reports accurately and legible showing locations and quantities of raw materials used as well as quantities and locations where finished goods were stored. Assist production line employees by relieving them in breaks and lunchtime periods. The primary duties of a Forklift Operator include:
  • Follow all established safety, health, quality GMP and Company policies, procedures and recognized practices.
  • Perform a safety lift truck inspection and battery check and report any equipment malfunctioning or damage to the Warehouse Manager or Shift Supervisor. Change lift truck batteries and add water when necessary; keep record of time batteries are changed. Fill out lift truck status report.
  • Participate in continuous quality improvement projects and other related activities as assigned.
  • Review daily production schedule with Shift Supervisor, brings materials to the production lines when needed to execute schedule and notify supervisor of any materials running low. Removes finished goods from production lines, back to assigned warehouse locations.
  • Provide accurate information of unloaded materials as well as materials used or produced to warehouse personnel.
  • Remove, store, and unitize production scrap bales and informs warehouse personnel when there is enough for a full load. Removes excess corrugated from mezzanine and empties baler as required. Takes full bales of cardboard scrap from baler to assigned location in the warehouse.
  • Maintain accurate records of materials being used and produced, and reports them in appropriate paperwork, back to warehouse personnel.
  • Remove finished goods and other materials in hold to assigned location. Stores finished goods stacked neatly and in proper height. Verifies that all finished goods removed from the production area must have a product code tag.
  • Participate in physical inventory taking.
  • Keep each production line supplied with the proper knock down cases, dividers, pallets and when each pallet is full take that pallet to the warehouse for loading on the trailer; and takes unused cases and dividers back to the warehouse to the proper location.
  • On limited production, may assist in stock-handler duties or load trailers as needed.
  • Bring up hot glue cases to the mezzanine, brings color concentrate to the lines, replaces cold glue tote, removes excess cases from production floor, brings slip sheets to production floor, loads storage racks with gaylords, set up rework, set up units of product on hold for Q.C., relieves stock handlers, loads and unloads corrugated trailers, identifies good corrugated from the bad and isolates it.
  • Follow established forklift procedures and complete required safety and maintenance checklists
  • Follow established procedures for damaged finished goods and raw materials and report them on line driver report.
  • Communicate with supervisor regarding shift totals and machine totals reports and with other lift truck operators regarding any changes or problems that arise, including damaged materials, damaged skids, or low inventories.
  • Complete written documentation as required.
  • Assist in relieving downstream teammates for breaks and lunches.
  • Use forklift to move pallets of finished product to stretch wrap machines to stretch wrap them and to staging area after wrapping, or to specify warehouse location. Completes finished goods report or worksheet.
  • Maintain supplies of corrugated and other packaging supplies at each machine.
  • Visually inspect all completed pallets of product for quality and conformity to the packaging instructions to ensure quality at the source.
  • Limited travel may be required.

Qualifications
Minimum of 1 year forklift experience preferred.
Forklift Operators are required to interact with other managers, employees, vendors, and customers. Therefore, the following skills and proficiencies are also essential requirements of the position:
  • Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
  • Computer usage and typing skills are essential.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
  • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
  • Communicates effectively: conveys facts and information clearly both verbally and orally.
  • Collaborates well with others: proactively contributes to group objectives; volunteers to help others.

Compensation Statement
The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.
Benefits Statement
Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company's 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.
EEO Disclaimer
Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Graham Packaging

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life. For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.

Industry

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

York, PA, US

Year founded

1970

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