Baler Operator Job detail

Smurfit Westrock plc (fmr Smurfit Kappa Group) · United States

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 3 RD 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.