How to hire a stacker operator

How to hire a stacker operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step stacker operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a stacker operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new stacker operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The stacker operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A stacker operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, stacker operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents stacker operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Stacker Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Stacker Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-19
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	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... Show more	$12-18
   Forklift Operator	Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Rules
   • Quality Checks
   • Math
   • Load Tags
   • Assembly Line
   • Tape Measure
   • Pallet Jack
   • Stackers
   • Quality Issues
   • Machine Operators
   • Dry End
   • Clamp Truck
   • Stack Boxes
   • General Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage proper removal and allocation for full yarn spindles.
   • Set and run industrial banding equipment.
   • Mow lawn either by using a riding lawnmower.
   • Ensure board width and edge calipers are within quality specifications.
   • Thread or feed cloth through or around machine rollers and dryers.
   • Edge cutting of various lawns-Operating different landscaping tools, (blowers, lawn mowers, ect )

   More stacker operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your stacker operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A stacker operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, stacker operators' average salary in tennessee is 41% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level stacker operators 34% less than senior-level stacker operators.
   • Certifications. A stacker operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a stacker operator's salary.

   Average stacker operator salary

   $16.14hourly

   $33,567 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level stacker operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average stacker operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Oregon	$39,045	$19
   2	Iowa	$36,726	$18
   3	Arizona	$35,591	$17
   4	Texas	$33,735	$16
   5	Ohio	$32,020	$15
   6	Missouri	$31,311	$15
   7	Illinois	$31,157	$15
   8	Indiana	$31,005	$15
   9	Alabama	$28,518	$14

   Average stacker operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	North American Stainless	$42,055	$20.22
   2	International Paper	$39,115	$18.81	25
   3	Crown Holdings	$38,603	$18.56	14
   4	Rosboro	$37,555	$18.06
   5	Trojan Battery	$35,342	$16.99
   6	CMC Motocross	$35,324	$16.98	11
   7	Advantage xPO	$33,736	$16.22
   8	CAN Capital	$33,665	$16.19	1
   9	Randstad North America, Inc.	$30,605	$14.71	7

4. Writing a stacker operator job description

   A stacker operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a stacker operator job description:

   Stacker operator job description example

   Apply soon! $1,500 incentive expires soon*

   What you will do :

   • Operate the board scrambler at the stacker
   • Operator will keep a supply of boards for the stacker operator
   • Operator will remove mi9s-sorted lumber, broken pieces and keep boards single layered and flat
   • Inspect, adjust, clean, or lubricate equipment as preventive maintenance. Tear down, replace, repair, install, and assemble equipment, parts, components, and accessories.
   • Adjust mechanisms such as feed, speed, power input, or output.
   • Operate various mechanical and electronic test equipment.
   • Specific knowledge of pumps, conveyer systems, motors, and drives is required in the performance of regular or assigned duties.
   • Remain current in technical changes or equipment designs by attending classes as needed
   • Work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, and overtime as scheduled or required.
   • Willing and able to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, including wearing safety equipment and completing all required training.
   • Other duties as assigned

   Education and Experience you will need:

   • Minimum High School or GED required
   • Experience with the precision alignment of motors, couplings, bearings, and pumps
   • Experience troubleshooting issues with bearings, chains, sprockets, gearboxes, and conveyors
   • Experience reading blueprints
   • Two (2) years or more of experience installing, trouble shooting and repairing heavy equipment
   • Experience with fabrication, cutting with a torch, and welding with an arc welder
   • Experience in a manufacturing environment
   • A combination of higher education and experience will be taken into consideration
   • Eligible to legally work in the United States without employer sponsorship
   • Willing and able to work a 10-hour rotating schedule which will include nights, weekends, and holidays
   • Willing and able to work on an emergency call-in basis as required
   • Ability to work as part of a team and deliver value to the team
   • Willingness and ability to cross-train to learn new jobs and skills
   • Consistent, predictable attendance

   
   What will make you stand out:

   • Experience troubleshooting & repairing hydraulics & pneumatics systems and reading hydraulic schematics
   • Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
   • Experience performing lubrication preventative maintenance and troubleshooting lubrication related failure

   *Active employees will receive incentive payment in January 2023

   Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:

   • Benefits starting Day 1
   • Competitive starting pay
   • On-the-job training
   • A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
   • Medical
   • Dental
   • Vision
   • Life Insurance
   • Disability Insurance
   • 401k with company match & retirement contribution
   • Employee stock Purchase Plan
   • Paid vacations and holidays

   Safety is one of West Fraser's core values and our employees can expect a challenging, stable work environment with career development opportunities.

   Apply with us:

   If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, internal promotions, training, safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com/jobs

   We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process. Be sure to attach your resume to your online profile as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please.

   West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world's largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB). We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company.

   West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace

   We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right stacker operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with stacker operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit stacker operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your stacker operator job on Zippia to find and recruit stacker operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit stacker operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new stacker operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect stacker operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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