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Baler Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Carpenter Co.

2nd Shift Slitter Operator

Elkhart, IN

$22.79 - $23.76/hr

Carpenter Co. has immediate opening for a 2nd Shift Slitter Operator in our Bedding Department on ... Operates baler and ties bales. * Wraps and packages product in polyurethane wrap. * Must be able to ...

New

Carpenter Co.

2nd Shift Slitter Operator

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$22.79 - $23.76/hr

Carpenter Co. has immediate opening for a 2nd Shift Slitter Operator in our Bedding Department on ... Operates baler and ties bales. * Wraps and packages product in polyurethane wrap. * Must be able to ...

New

Manna Beverages

Lift Truck Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Lift Truck Operator is responsible for the timely, accurate loading of outbound shipments, as ... Operates Floor Scrubber, Baler, Foamer, Pressure Washer, and other equipment in the normal course ...

MBV-Midwest, LLC

Lift Truck Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Lift Truck Operator is responsible for the timely, accurate loading of outbound shipments, as ... Operates Floor Scrubber, Baler, Foamer, Pressure Washer, and other equipment in the normal course ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Maintenance Assistant

Avon, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Cleans warehouse floors, offices, break room, and restrooms by operating self-propelled floor ... Operates garbage compactor and cardboard baler. * Checks daily schedule for assigned routine tasks ...

Aldi

Retail Store Manager Trainee

Brownsburg, IN

$111K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... baler. • Ability to work in varying temperatures, hot and cold (including outdoor temperatures ...

Aldi

Store Manager in Training

Fishers, IN

$111K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... baler. • Ability to work in varying temperatures, hot and cold (including outdoor temperatures ...

Aldi

Full-Time Store Manager Trainee

Greenwood, IN

$103K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... baler. • Ability to work in varying temperatures, hot and cold (including outdoor temperatures ...

Aldi

Full-Time Store Manager Trainee

Indianapolis, IN

$111K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... baler. • Ability to work in varying temperatures, hot and cold (including outdoor temperatures ...

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All JobsBaler Operator JobsBaler Operator Jobs in Indiana

Baler Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$6

$15

$20

How much do baler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler operator in Indiana is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.16 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
What are popular job titles related to Baler Operator jobs in Indiana? For Baler Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Baler Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Baler Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Baler Operator jobs in IN? For Baler Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Baler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baler Operator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,857 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Small Equipment Operator-$ 2500 Sign On Bonus

Small Equipment Operator-$ 2500 Sign On Bonus

Waste Management

Danville, IN • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Waste Management rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 634 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 75 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Sign-On Bonus $2500
 
I. Job Summary 

 
Operates one or two pieces of equipment including but not limited to baler, front-end loader, bobcat, candensifier or forklift to transport or bind paper or other loose materials to facilitate handling.

 
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
  • Sorts and grades material.
  • Fills and operates candensifier.
  • Records materials or items received or distributed and mark materials with identifying information.
  • Maintains inventory records.
  • Compiles worksheets or tickets from customer specifications.
  • Insures material is being fed properly onto conveyor.
  • Coordinates flow of material.
  • Starts baler up on time, read monitor, which displays functions of baler, and reacts quickly to machine prompts and alarms, and ensures proper operation.
  • Monitors and documents downtime.
  • Insures safety around working areas.
  • Checks quality of material before it is baled or shipped.
  • Coordinates with MRF Manager to see what material needs to be baled or shipped.
  • Performs routine maintenance and daily inspection on equipment such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning.
  • Keeps supply of wire on hand for baler.
  • Operates loader, forklift, bobcat, or other equipment to move material to designated area.
  • Keeps surrounding work areas clean.
  • Unloads, tags, and stacks material in proper rows by raising and lowering lifting device.
  • Loads or unloads materials into or out of trailers and railcars.
  • Moves material from baler.
  • Dumps containers, bins, and gaylords of materials.
  • Reads loading, unloading sheets and bills of ladings.
  • Completes necessary load and unload tally sheets.
  • Inspects and grades wastepaper that is received at plant.
  • Ensures vehicle condition reports are filled out properly as required by corporate guidelines.
  • Complies with all safety policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
III. Qualifications 

 
A. Required Qualifications 
  • 6 months of previous work experience.
  • Forklift Certified
B. Preferred Qualifications 
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1 year of previous work experience.
IV. Physical Requirements 

 
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • This job operates in a mix between an office environment and plant/field environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.

Benefits

At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site..


 
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.
ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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