Baler - Full Time

Mission Contribution: The Baler plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s sustainability efforts by efficiently processing donated goods for resale and recycling. By ensuring proper baling, storage, and transportation of salvage materials, this position helps maximize resource utilization, reduce waste, and generate revenue to fund mission-driven programs that serve the community.

Summary: The Baler is responsible for operating baling equipment to process clothing, shoes, purses, plush, and other salvage materials. This role includes stacking and unstacking Gaylords, loading and unloading trucks, and maintaining an organized warehouse. The Baler ensures compliance with operational and safety standards while contributing to the efficient flow of materials through the facility.

Essential Functions:

• Operates the top-loading clothing baler, ensuring efficient processing of clothing, shoes, purses, and plush.
• Uses a forklift and pallet jack to transport and stack bales and materials within the warehouse.
• Loads and unloads trucks, ensuring timely movement of salvage materials.
• Maintains an organized and orderly warehouse by properly stacking and placing materials.
• Empties poly-bulk trucks and Gaylords of donated goods for storage and later use.
• Completes salvage invoices accurately and submits them as required.
• Ensures compliance with operational policies and procedures, including proper documentation of salvage activities.
• Maintains a production rate of one completed bale per hour when working without interruption.
• Follows all safety procedures, including proper lifting techniques, equipment operation, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conducts routine checks on equipment and promptly reports maintenance concerns.
• Assists with donation drive locations as needed, ensuring efficient collection and handling of donations.
• Supports warehouse operations and assists drivers with pickups when baling duties are not required.
• Exhibit decision-making and behavior aligned with Goodwill’s Core Values: Serve, Mentor, Include, Lead, and Excel.
• Participate in training sessions, meetings, and company-related events as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Adhere to all Goodwill policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proficiency in digital literacy, including basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Outlook, and company-specific software tools.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to effectively read, write, and create reports and professional business correspondence.
• Effective verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and respond to questions from supervisors, team members, and customers.
• Basic mathematical proficiency, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, team members, and internal and external customers.
• Positive and friendly attitude, contributing to a collaborative work environment and enhancing team morale.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, Experience:

• A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, with one to three months of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Forklift Operator – Certification required to safely operate forklifts. Goodwill will provide the necessary training and certification to ensure compliance
• Must be able to successfully complete any assigned Goodwill training within the required period of time upon employment.

Special Requirements:

• Personal vehicle usage is required for this position, including a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to provide proof of insurance for driving on company business.
• An acceptable motor vehicle record, based on Goodwill guidelines, is required for driving a personal or company vehicle.
• Must provide a cell phone for specified work responsibilities, including the use of a phone-based application for authentication.
• A high-speed, reliable broadband internet connection is required for job functions.
• Must successfully complete a state background investigation and drug screen.

Physical Requirements:

The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.
• Able to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move up to forty (40) pounds regularly without support. For weight over forty (40) pounds, request additional team member assistance as needed.

Work Environment:

• Warehouse environment.
• Ability to travel frequently to multiple location and overnight as needed.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet operational demands.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to heat, cold, and adverse weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to loud.