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Baler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Compactor/Baler Technician Apprentice

Annapolis, MD

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Compactor/Baler Technician Apprentice Currently, we are seeking a Compactor/Baler Technician Apprentice in the MD/DC/NOVA area . We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation ...

Compactor/Baler Technician

Annapolis, MD

$30 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Compactor/Baler Technician Currently, we are seeking a Compactor/Baler Technician in the MD/DC/NOVA area. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation and benefits for ...

Compactor/Baler Technician

Virginia Beach, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Compactor/Baler Technician Currently, we are seeking a Retail Service Technician in the Virginia Beach, VA area. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation and benefits for ...

Compactor/Baler Technician

Hampton, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Compactor/Baler Technician Currently, we are seeking a Retail Service Technician to in the Virginia Beach, VA area and surrounding areas. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive ...

Compactor/Baler Technician

Warsaw, VA

$20 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Eastern Lift Truck Co. Retail Service Technician Currently, we are seeking a Retail Service Technician in the Virginia Beach, VA area. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive ...

General Technician Ship/R-ASC

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for the Safety, cleanliness and organization of the warehouse, baler room, truck docks, bander, associated grounds by supplying support to Press Operation, Baler Room, and overall plant ...

General Technician Ship/R-ASC

Richmond, VA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for the Safety, cleanliness and organization of the warehouse, baler room, truck docks, bander, associated grounds by supplying support to Press Operation, Baler Room, and overall plant ...

Maintenance Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operates garbage compactor and cardboard baler. * Checks daily schedule for assigned routine tasks and maintenance repair jobs. * Drives personal vehicle to purchase supplies and parts needed for ...

Maintenance Assistant

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operates garbage compactor and cardboard baler. * Checks daily schedule for assigned routine tasks and maintenance repair jobs. * Drives personal vehicle to purchase supplies and parts needed for ...

Maintenance Assistant

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operates garbage compactor and cardboard baler. * Checks daily schedule for assigned routine tasks and maintenance repair jobs. * Drives personal vehicle to purchase supplies and parts needed for ...

Maintenance Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operates garbage compactor and cardboard baler. * Checks daily schedule for assigned routine tasks and maintenance repair jobs. * Drives personal vehicle to purchase supplies and parts needed for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Baler information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do baler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler in Virginia is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a baler?

A baler is a machine operator. They use heavy machinery to bale materials such as clothing, paper products, waste, and plastic wrapping. Their job duties may also include tieing off the bales and moving them to another part of the warehouse. Qualifications for this career include a high school diploma, mechanical aptitude or experience, and the ability to follow all safety instructions. If the job position requires the use of a crane to transport bales, some states may require licensure.

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

To thrive as a Baler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of warehouse operations, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with baling machines, conveyor systems, and basic safety certifications like OSHA training is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and adherence to safety protocols are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient material handling, workplace safety, and consistent productivity in recycling or waste management environments.

What are some typical safety challenges faced by balers, and how can they be managed in the workplace?

Balers often work with heavy machinery and compressed materials, which can present safety challenges such as entanglement, repetitive motion injuries, and exposure to dust or debris. To manage these risks, employers usually provide thorough safety training, require the use of personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection, and implement strict lockout/tagout procedures. Regular equipment maintenance and clear communication with team members also help ensure a safe and efficient work environment. Staying attentive and following established protocols are key to minimizing hazards in this role.

What is the difference between Baler vs Machine Operator?

AspectBaler
Required CertificationsTypically none, but safety training may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, recycling plants, warehouses
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, recycling, waste management
Job FocusOperating baling machines to compress materials

While a Baler specializes in operating baling equipment to compress and bind materials, a Machine Operator may handle various machinery in manufacturing settings. The Baler role is more focused on specific equipment used in recycling or packaging, whereas Machine Operators often work with different types of machinery across industries. Both roles require safety awareness and basic mechanical skills, but baler operators typically need specific training related to baling equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Baler jobs in Virginia?

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

Infographic showing various Baler job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,192 per year, or $16 per hour.

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
Mission Contribution: The Baler plays a critical role in supporting the organization's sustainability efforts by efficiently processing donated goods for resale and recycling. By ensuring proper baling, storage, and transportation of salvage materials, this position helps maximize resource utilization, reduce waste, and generate revenue to fund mission-driven programs that serve the community.
Summary: The Baler is responsible for operating baling equipment to process clothing, shoes, purses, plush, and other salvage materials. This role includes stacking and unstacking Gaylords, loading and unloading trucks, and maintaining an organized warehouse. The Baler ensures compliance with operational and safety standards while contributing to the efficient flow of materials through the facility.
Essential Functions:
  1. Operates the top-loading clothing baler, ensuring efficient processing of clothing, shoes, purses, and plush.
  2. Uses a forklift and pallet jack to transport and stack bales and materials within the warehouse.
  3. Loads and unloads trucks, ensuring timely movement of salvage materials.
  4. Maintains an organized and orderly warehouse by properly stacking and placing materials.
  5. Empties poly-bulk trucks and Gaylords of donated goods for storage and later use.
  6. Completes salvage invoices accurately and submits them as required.
  7. Ensures compliance with operational policies and procedures, including proper documentation of salvage activities.
  8. Maintains a production rate of one completed bale per hour when working without interruption.
  9. Follows all safety procedures, including proper lifting techniques, equipment operation, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  10. Conducts routine checks on equipment and promptly reports maintenance concerns.
  11. Assists with donation drive locations as needed, ensuring efficient collection and handling of donations.
  12. Supports warehouse operations and assists drivers with pickups when baling duties are not required.
  13. Exhibit decision-making and behavior aligned with Goodwill's Core Values: Serve, Mentor, Include, Lead, and Excel.
  14. Participate in training sessions, meetings, and company-related events as required.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned by management.
  16. Adhere to all Goodwill policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in digital literacy, including basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Outlook, and company-specific software tools.
  • Strong written communication skills with the ability to effectively read, write, and create reports and professional business correspondence.
  • Effective verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and respond to questions from supervisors, team members, and customers.
  • Basic mathematical proficiency, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, team members, and internal and external customers.
  • Positive and friendly attitude, contributing to a collaborative work environment and enhancing team morale.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, Experience:
  • A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, with one to three months of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Certified Forklift Operator - Certification required to safely operate forklifts. Goodwill will provide the necessary training and certification to ensure compliance
  • Must be able to successfully complete any assigned Goodwill training within the required period of time upon employment.

Special Requirements:
  • Personal vehicle usage is required for this position, including a reliable vehicle, a valid driver's license, and the ability to provide proof of insurance for driving on company business.
  • An acceptable motor vehicle record, based on Goodwill guidelines, is required for driving a personal or company vehicle.
  • Must provide a cell phone for specified work responsibilities, including the use of a phone-based application for authentication.
  • A high-speed, reliable broadband internet connection is required for job functions.
  • Must successfully complete a state background investigation and drug screen.

Physical Requirements:
The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.
  • Able to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move up to forty (40) pounds regularly without support. For weight over forty (40) pounds, request additional team member assistance as needed.

Work Environment:
  • Warehouse environment.
  • Ability to travel frequently to multiple location and overnight as needed.
  • May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet operational demands.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to heat, cold, and adverse weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to loud.

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