What does a baler operator do?
Baler operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real baler operator resumes:
- Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
- Operate forklift to load and unload pallets, run baler to compact the recycled cardboard and stack the bales.
- Hand stack pallets, customize based on needs and requirements of customer.
- Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
- Move inventory in support of logistics management.
Baler operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Baler Operators are proficient in Perform Routine Maintenance, Routine Maintenance, and Rail Cars. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Communication skills, and Coordination.
We break down the percentage of Baler Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Perform Routine Maintenance, 26%
Complete daily safety inspections on equipment and perform routine maintenance as scheduled.
- Routine Maintenance, 17%
Monitored delivery truck performance, performed routine maintenance, handled accounts and completed necessary paperwork.
- Rail Cars, 14%
Conducted inventory pull and prepared product for shipment, moved product from staging or storage areas in rail cars or trailers.
- Baling, 10%
Certified hoist operator Hand loads textile materials into baling machine from rolling bins.
- Pallets, 8%
Operated forklift to load and unload pallets, ran baler to compact the recycled cardboard and stack the bales.
- Hand Tools, 6%
Used saws, blow torches, hand tools and power tools.
"perform routine maintenance," "routine maintenance," and "rail cars" are among the most common skills that baler operators use at work. You can find even more baler operator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform baler operator duties is communication skills. Baler operators responsibilities require that "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Baler operators also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "maintained necessary level of communications between shifts ensured that all health and safety guidelines were followed. "
Coordination. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of baler operators is coordination. This skill is critical to many everyday baler operator duties, as "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "warehouse coordination inventory controls feed assembly line"
Mechanical skills. A big part of what baler operators do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to baler operator responsibilities because "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical baler operator tasks: "perform minor mechanical work and routine maintenance on equipment. "
Visual ability. Another common skill required for baler operator responsibilities is "visual ability." This skill comes up in the duties of baler operators all the time, as "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." An excerpt from a real baler operator resume shows how this skill is central to what a baler operator does: "verify through visual check, that correct material is in place to support production schedule. "
The three companies that hire the most baler operators are:
- WestRock8 baler operators jobs
- RRD6 baler operators jobs
- Schnitzer Steel2 baler operators jobs
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Compare different baler operators
Baler operator vs. Forklift operator and receiver
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, baler operator responsibilities require skills like "perform routine maintenance," "rail cars," "baling," and "cyclone." Meanwhile a typical forklift operator and receiver has skills in areas such as "shipping receiving," "production lines," "electric pallet jack," and "safety procedures." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Forklift operators and receiver earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $37,086. On the other hand, baler operators are paid more in the transportation industry with an average salary of $36,121.On average, forklift operators and receiver reach similar levels of education than baler operators. Forklift operators and receiver are 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Baler operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, baler operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "perform routine maintenance," "routine maintenance," "rail cars," and "baling." Meanwhile, a machine operator/forklift operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "drive forklift," "machine operation," "cnc," and "electric pallet jack." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Machine operator/forklift operators may earn a lower salary than baler operators, but machine operator/forklift operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $36,711. On the other hand, baler operators receive higher pay in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,121.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Machine operator/forklift operators tend to reach similar levels of education than baler operators. In fact, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Baler operator vs. Production forklift operator
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from baler operator resumes include skills like "baling," "cyclone," "hand tools," and "basic math," whereas a production forklift operator is more likely to list skills in "line production," "safety rules," "rf scanner," and "quality standards. "
Production forklift operators make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $36,768. On the other hand, baler operators are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $36,121.When it comes to education, production forklift operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to baler operators. In fact, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Baler operator vs. Dock worker/forklift operator
Types of baler operator
Updated January 8, 2025
