Baler Operator

The Baler Operator safely operates hydraulic baling machines and related equipment to compress recyclable metals into dense bales, move materials throughout the recycling facility, and support daily production activities. This role works closely with mobile equipment operators and team members to ensure materials are processed efficiently, quality standards are met, and all safety and reporting requirements are completed.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic baling machines to compress recyclable metals into dense, uniform bales according to established procedures.
• Use skid steers and other equipment to move recycled metal and materials throughout the facility in a safe and efficient manner.
• Coordinate with mobile equipment operators to load, stage, and transfer materials for baling and shipment.
• Work collaboratively with team members to tie off and secure finished bales for storage or transport.
• Inspect incoming materials to verify they meet quality standards and report any issues or contamination.
• Complete daily inventory records, safety checklists, and operational reports accurately and on time.
• Maintain strict compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and all safety policies.
• Perform basic safety maintenance checks on equipment and report any mechanical concerns promptly.
• Use power tools, hand tools, and measuring tools as needed to support baling and material handling tasks.
• Provide general labor support across the facility, including material sorting, clean-up, and basic warehouse tasks.
• Demonstrate attention to detail when operating machinery, handling materials, and documenting work.
• Communicate clearly and courteously with coworkers and supervisors to support a customer service–oriented operation.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating skid steers or similar material handling equipment.
• Hands-on machine operation experience in a production, warehouse, or industrial environment.
• Ability to operate forklifts and other warehouse equipment safely (warehouse forklift experience preferred).
• Proficiency using power tools, hand tools, and measuring tools in a work setting.
• Strong attention to detail when following procedures and monitoring equipment and materials.
• Ability to perform general labor tasks, including lifting, moving, and organizing materials.
• Commitment to strict PPE use and adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to complete basic administrative support tasks, such as inventory logs and operational reports.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.
• High school diploma or GED is preferred but not required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior metal-handling or industrial experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience working in a production or recycling environment is an advantage.
• Customer service–oriented mindset when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfort working primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong work ethic and reliability, with willingness to perform a variety of tasks as needed.

Why Work Here?

Join a safety-focused, team-oriented environment where your hands-on skills are valued and your contributions directly support sustainable recycling efforts. You will work with well-defined processes, receive clear expectations, and have opportunities to build and broaden your equipment operation experience in an industrial setting.

Work Environment

This role is based in a recycling facility where work takes place primarily outdoors and in industrial yard areas. You will regularly work around heavy equipment, hydraulic balers, skid steers, and forklifts, and use power tools, hand tools, and measuring tools as part of daily tasks. The environment is fast-paced and production-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Conditions can include exposure to weather, noise, and metal materials, and you should be comfortable performing physical, hands-on work throughout your shift

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lincoln, NE.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lincoln,NE.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.