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Forklift Baler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smurfit Westrock

Baler Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Baler Operator is responsible for operating the auger, baler, forklift, and other powered industrial equipment to collect, process, and transport scrap corrugated materials and waste throughout ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Baler Operator, your contributions support our community-focused vision, enhancing both ... Handle the forklift safely when required and proactively manage equipment maintenance needs.

WM T BURNETT Holding LLC

Baler Operator

Jessup, MD

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Description Job Summary The Baler Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining an ... Prior forklift experience preferred. * Previous experience in a manufacturing or warehouse ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC

$13 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Baler Operator, your contributions support our community-focused vision, enhancing both ... Handle the forklift safely when required and proactively manage equipment maintenance needs.

WM T Burnett Foam LLC

Baler Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Description: Job Summary The Baler Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining an ... Prior forklift experience preferred. * Previous experience in a manufacturing or warehouse ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Gary, IN

$15 - $18.75/hr

  • Retirement

Able to safely operate forklift to pick up waste pallets and carts. * Identify waste ticket placed ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC

$13 - $16.25/hr

  • Retirement

Able to safely operate forklift to pick up waste pallets and carts. * Identify waste ticket placed ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC

$13 - $16.25/hr

  • Retirement

Able to safely operate forklift to pick up waste pallets and carts. Identify waste ticket placed on ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Gary, IN · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

  • Retirement

Able to safely operate forklift to pick up waste pallets and carts. * Identify waste ticket placed ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

  • Retirement

Able to safely operate forklift to pick up waste pallets and carts. Identify waste ticket placed on ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

  • Retirement

Able to safely operate forklift to pick up waste pallets and carts. * Identify waste ticket placed ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Texas Tissue Converting

Baler Operator

Conroe, TX

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

... focused Baler Operator to join our Production team. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean ... Forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Texas Tissue Converting

Baler Operator

Conroe, TX

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

... focused Baler Operator to join our Production team. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean ... Forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 3rd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

BALER OPERATOR 3rd Shift (11 pm - 7 am) REPORTS TO: Corrugator Supervisor Starting Wage $18.70 per ... Maintain awareness of forklift traffic, sound horn at cross-aisles, and drive cautiously when ...

Texas Tissue Converting

Baler Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

... focused Baler Operator to join our Production team. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean ... Forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Texas Tissue Converting

Baler Operator

Conroe, TX

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

... focused Baler Operator to join our Production team. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean ... Forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Texas Tissue Converting

Baler Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

... focused Baler Operator to join our Production team. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean ... Forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Texas Tissue Converting

Baler Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

  • PTO

... focused Baler Operator to join our Production team. In this role, you'll help maintain a clean ... Forklift or pallet jack experience is a plus * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

BALER OPERATOR - 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm) Starting Wage: $18.70 per hour REPORTS TO: Corrugator ... Maintain awareness of forklift traffic, sound horn at cross-aisles, and drive cautiously when ...

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Forklift Baler Operator information

See salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do forklift baler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for forklift baler operator in the United States is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forklift baler operator?

A Forklift Baler Operator is a worker who operates both forklifts and baling machines, primarily in warehouses, recycling centers, or manufacturing facilities. Their main responsibilities include safely moving materials using a forklift and operating a baler to compress recyclable materials like cardboard, plastics, or metals into compact bales for easier storage and transport. They must follow safety protocols, inspect equipment regularly, and maintain records of materials handled. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and often a forklift operator certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forklift baler operator?

To thrive as a Forklift Baler Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, a forklift operator certification, and experience in warehouse or recycling environments. Familiarity with forklift machinery, baling equipment, and safety systems such as OSHA regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help ensure safety and efficiency on the job. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining workplace safety, minimizing equipment downtime, and meeting production targets.

What are some common challenges faced by forklift baler operators in a warehouse setting?

Forklift Baler Operators often encounter challenges such as managing tight spaces while maneuvering heavy equipment, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed, and maintaining efficiency during high-volume periods. They must also stay attentive to equipment maintenance and promptly address any mechanical issues to prevent downtime. Collaborating effectively with team members and communicating clearly about material flow are essential for smooth operations and safety.

What is the difference between Forklift Baler Operator vs Material Handler?

AspectForklift Baler OperatorMaterial Handler
CertificationsForklift license, Baler operation trainingForklift license often preferred, general warehouse training
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, recycling centers, manufacturing plantsWarehouses, distribution centers, shipping areas
Job FocusOperating balers and forklifts to compress recyclablesMoving, storing, and organizing materials

Forklift Baler Operators primarily focus on operating balers and forklifts to process recyclables, requiring specific certifications. Material Handlers handle a broader range of material movement tasks in warehouse settings, often with general forklift experience. Both roles are essential in warehouse and recycling industries but differ in specific duties and certification requirements.

More about Forklift Baler Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Forklift Baler Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Forklift Baler Operator job openings:

What states have the most Forklift Baler Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forklift Baler Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Forklift Baler Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Forklift Baler Operator jobs are:

Forklift Baler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forklift Baler Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,097 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Baler Operator

Smurfit Westrock

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Smurfit Westrock rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 277 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR65152
Posting Job Title
Baler Operator
Locations
GA Atlanta (SF)
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
11-Aug-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
BALER OPERATOR
$21.81
$.25 Shift differential
3RD SHIFT
  • Must be available to work 12-hour shifts when needed.
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours and overtime as business needs require.
  • Must be available to work alternating Saturdays and additional weekends when applicable.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to support production operations.

The Opportunity:
  • The Baler Operator is responsible for operating the auger, baler, forklift, and other powered industrial equipment to collect, process, and transport scrap corrugated materials and waste throughout the facility. This position supports production by maintaining waste collection points, ensuring proper recycling procedures, and keeping work areas clean and organized. The Baler Operator must work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced sheet plant environment while complying with all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:
  • Collect loose scrap corrugated material and waste throughout the plant using a forklift and other powered industrial equipment.
  • Ensure all scrap material is properly weighed before baling.
  • Sort, process, and dispose of scrap and waste materials according to company procedures.
  • Maintain waste collection points throughout the facility.
  • Operate the auger and baler equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Strap, stage, and transport finished bales to designated storage areas and outbound trucks using a forklift.
  • Manually feed scrap materials into the auger as required.
  • Perform routine cleaning and housekeeping duties in the baler room and surrounding work areas a MUST.
  • Maintain work areas in accordance with established 7S and housekeeping standards.
  • Complete daily equipment inspections and maintenance check sheets.
  • Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements and PPE guidelines.
  • Complete required powered industrial truck training and maintain internal certifications.
  • Assist with material transfers, recycling activities, and other duties as assigned.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts and maintain a safe, organized work environment.

What you need to succeed:
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of manufacturing, warehouse, recycling, or industrial work experience preferred.
  • Previous forklift experience required; forklift certification preferred or ability to obtain certification.
  • Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks and material handling equipment.
  • Basic computer skills for data entry and recordkeeping.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow written work instructions and safety procedures.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently while maintaining production standards.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated reliability, teamwork, and excellent attendance.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work on concrete floors for extended periods during a 12-hour shift.
  • Frequently lift, push, pull, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent bending, twisting, stooping, reaching, crouching, grasping, and repetitive movement.
  • Ability to climb on and around equipment as needed.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a forklift.
  • Ability to safely operate forklifts, clamp trucks, and other powered industrial equipment.
  • Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed footwear.
  • Must be able to work safely around moving machinery, conveyors, forklifts, and industrial equipment.
  • Manufacturing environment within a corrugated paper box sheet plant.
  • Exposure to paper dust, machine noise, vibration, and moving mechanical equipment.
  • Indoor facility temperatures may fluctuate based on seasonal weather conditions, including hot temperatures during summer months and cold temperatures during winter months.
  • Fast-paced production environment requiring adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards.
  • Frequent forklift traffic and material handling activities throughout the facility.

What we offer:
Benefit eligibility begins Day 1
  • Benefits include:
  • Medical w/ HSA
  • Dental Vision
  • Mental Health
  • 401(k) with 5% company match
  • Paid vacation time & holidays
  • Life Insurance & AD&D
  • Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement.

  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

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