Hogger/Baler/Chipper Operator Department: Production

Shift: A (12am-8am)

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Classification: Hourly / Non-Exempt Position 

Summary: The Hogger/Baler/Chipper Operator is responsible for safely operating and monitoring the hogger, baler, chipper, and related equipment used to process production scrap and waste materials. This position helps keep production areas clean and operational by ensuring scrap materials are removed, processed, and prepared for recycling or disposal in a safe and timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate the hogger, baler, chipper, conveyors, and related equipment.
• Collect, sort, move, and process scrap and waste generated during production.
• Feed appropriate materials into the equipment while preventing contamination or improper materials from entering.
• Monitor equipment for jams, unusual noises, mechanical problems, or unsafe conditions.
• Remove completed bales and properly stage processed or recycled materials.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment when trained and authorized.
• Keep the hogger, baler, chipper, and surrounding work areas clean and organized.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and immediately report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Follow all machine-guarding, PPE, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and other safety procedures.
• Never reach into, enter, clear, or service operating equipment.
• Follow proper LOTO procedures when equipment must be cleared, cleaned, or serviced.
• Assist with housekeeping and 5S activities throughout the production area.
• Work with Production, Maintenance, and Material Handlers to keep scrap from accumulating or interfering with production.
• Complete required equipment, production, waste, or recycling documentation.
• Follow all company safety rules, work instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on production needs.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED preferred. Previous manufacturing, machine-operation, warehouse, recycling, or material-handling experience is preferred. Must be able to follow instructions, work safely around industrial machinery, recognize unsafe conditions, and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers. Forklift experience is preferred. Employees operating powered industrial trucks must be properly trained and authorized.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly bend, reach, push, pull, and handle materials. Must be able to work around moving machinery and in a manufacturing environment that may include noise, dust, heat, and changing temperatures. Required PPE must be worn.

Key Expectations:  Safety • Productivity • Housekeeping • Equipment Care • Teamwork