Baler Operator

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Job Summary

The Baler Operator is responsible for operating industrial baling and production equipment in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. This role supports the recycling and production processes by ensuring materials are handled, processed, and prepared in accordance with company quality and safety standards.

Major Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate safety equipment and adhere to all safety protocols and practices.

• Operate balers and other machinery used in the production process, or assist other machine operators.

• Inspect and examine products to ensure they meet established quality standards.

• Load and unload materials from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.

• Perform routine cleaning and lubrication of equipment to ensure optimal operation.

• Manually lift and move raw materials, finished products, and packed items, or use hoists as needed.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Job Qualifications

A. Educational Background

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.

B. Job-Related Experience

• One to three months of related experience and/or training preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

C. Skills and Certifications

• Must be able to lift and move heavy materials (up to 100 pounds).

• Ability to read and interpret safety and operating manuals.

• Must have strong attention to detail and quality.

• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills are preferred.

The physical requirements include:

• Regular standing and use of hands to handle or feel objects and controls.

• Frequent sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing, and verbal communication.

• Occasional walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

• Regularly lifting up to 25 pounds; frequently up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 100 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions.

• Frequent exposure to high places and vibration.

• Occasional exposure to chemicals, electrical shock, explosives, and radiation risks.

• The noise level is typically loud, requiring the use of proper PPE.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination. 

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.