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Baler Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

M&M Recycling

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Excavator Operator Company Overview M&M Recycling is a leading scrap metal recycling company and a ... Within the first 90 days, consistently operate the excavator and baler safely, following all ...

M&M Recycling, Inc

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

As an Excavator Operator with M&M Recycling, you will operate heavy equipment to process and ... Within the first 90 days, consistently operate the excavator and baler safely, following all ...

Marglen Industries

Extrusion Associate

Rome, GA

$13 - $14.80/hr

Crimper Operator (Listed in order of importance) * Monitor the pressure and temperature on the crimper and steam chest. * Monitor the dryer bed for proper lay of the fiber. * Notify the baler crew of ...

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Baler Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$6

$13

$18

How much do baler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler operator in Georgia is $13.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

More about Baler Operator jobs
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What cities in Georgia are hiring for Baler Operator jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Baler Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Baler Operator jobs in GA? For Baler Operator jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Baler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baler Operator job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $28,269 per year, or $13.6 per hour.
NF Baler Operator

NF Baler Operator

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

Gainesville, GA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Baler Operator reports to the Facilities & Operations Supervisor, or the Terminal Operations Manager. The Baler Operator is responsible for the set up, operation, and maintenance of the baler while ensuring that all of his/her efforts are compliant with the company Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. Duties may include processing products through the baler to shape, form, and compress materials. The Baler Operator should possess knowledge of machines and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance, as well as raw materials, and quality control to ensure maximization of the effective production of products.
This position operates under flexible parameters. The primary goal of this position is to achieve excellence in all facets of the position. Providing the highest quality product safely, effectively and efficiently decreases accidents and errors and increase profits.
Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
  • Strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
  • Provides a safe environment for all employees, customers and visitors.

Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
  • Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, temperatures, amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials.
  • Perform equipment inspection and ensure that all related reports are submitted to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Perform pre- and post-processing inspection of materials to verify conformance company and industry standards, and complete all related documentation required to maintain production data.
  • Select and install machine components such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications using hand tools and measuring devices.
  • Provide backup or assistance throughout the yard as needed or assigned.

Equipment & Maintenance
  • Report all equipment deficiencies or malfunctions requiring maintenance or repair to the proper supervisor.

Internal Control Responsibilities
  • Supports the Company's Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business.
  • Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.

Job Conditions
  • This position is regularly exposed to all weather conditions. Physical hazards such as noise, fumes, and dirt are present due to the equipment, machinery, and scrap as would be found throughout the scrap yard. Safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, and additional personal protective equipment as needed, must be worn to eliminate the risks associated with these hazards. Travel is not required for this position.
  • Handling multiple issues regarding safety and maintenance increases pressure. Work load may be unpredictable and pressure can be substantial during peak times. Critical deadlines require considerable adaptability. Disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Extra hours may be required, sometimes on weekends, weekdays, and holidays.

Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions
  • Ability to: sit rarely; stand and walk frequently on uneven ground and throughout the yard; lift and carry up to 50 pounds consistently; push and pull occasionally when moving materials; crouch or bend at the knees consistently to move or access materials or equipment; stoop or bend at the waist consistently to move materials; reach at arms length and overhead frequently; twist and turn at the neck and trunk continually; climb occasionally when obtaining items; manual dexterity required as Baler Operator will handle, grasp, and manipulate materials constantly; arm-hand steadiness required constantly for precision work; communicate by speech and hearing continually. Visual acuity needed for close detail work. Mental dexterity needed as Baler Operator will work independently while demonstrating attention to detail and continuous awareness.

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
All U.S. applicants must be 18 years of age or older and all Canada applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
Radius Recycling participates in e-verify for all U.S. new hires.
An offer of U.S. employment by Radius Recycling or any of its subsidiaries is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen and background check.
All new hires must review and sign an Arbitration Agreement. This applies to all U.S. non-union employees.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Radius Recycling does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, disability status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, age, prior industrial injury, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status under local, state or federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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