About the Role
The Recycling & Cardboard Baler Operator plays a critical role in supporting the facility’s sustainability and circular-economy initiatives by ensuring recyclable materials are processed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards. This position is responsible for operating the cardboard baler, sorting recyclable materials, preparing bales for collection by external recycling partners, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized waste-handling area. The operator contributes directly to waste reduction efforts while adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety protocols, and environmental objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate the cardboard baler, including the use of limit-switch controls, manual overrides, and established operating procedures.
- Sort recyclable materials and remove contaminants such as plastic, shrink wrap, tape, metal, and other non-recyclable items prior to baling.
- Load cardboard into the baler using proper layering and distribution techniques to ensure optimal bale quality and stability.
- Utilize approved power tools, including a reciprocating (Sawzall) saw, to reduce oversized cardboard and prepare materials for processing.
- Initiate and monitor compaction cycles, clear cardboard debris using approved tools, and prepare completed bales for wiring.
- Feed, twist, and secure six baling wires per bale while consistently using the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Collaborate with forklift operators to safely receive, unstack, and restack pallets as needed.
- Bale additional recyclable materials, including super sacks, cocoa bags, and milk powder bags, according to operational requirements and direction from the team lead.
- Assist in positioning completed bales onto pallets for safe transport and removal by forklift operators.
- Dispose of waste generated by production teams in the compactor and operate compaction equipment in accordance with safety procedures.
- Follow proper material-handling techniques when lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects of varying sizes, shapes, and weights.
- Inspect equipment for defects or unsafe conditions and promptly report concerns, incidents, and work-related injuries to management.
- Maintain high housekeeping standards throughout the waste area, loading docks, compactor entrance, and surrounding workspaces.
- Work independently with minimal supervision while consistently meeting productivity and quality expectations.
- Adhere to all applicable safety, hygiene, GMP, and sanitation requirements.
- Properly maintain and use assigned PPE in accordance with OSHA regulations, company policies, GMP requirements, and supervisor direction.
- Support pest-control initiatives by inspecting dock areas and reporting evidence of pest activity.
- Maintain required certifications and compliance related to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training.
- Actively participate in Continuous Improvement programs, including 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) initiatives.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
About You
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated awareness of workplace hazards and safe equipment operation.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining a high level of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a manufacturing, recycling, sanitation, warehouse, or equipment-operation environment.
- Experience operating or working around recycling and waste-handling equipment.
- Experience using a reciprocating (Sawzall) saw, manual pallet jack, electric walkie pallet jack, and forklift.
- Knowledge of GMP, safety, and environmental compliance practices in a manufacturing setting.
Working Environment & Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and twist for extended periods throughout the shift.
- Frequently required to use hands, arms, and upper-body strength to operate tools, equipment, and waste-handling devices.
- Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and safely utilize powered lifts and scissor lifts when required.
- Work may be performed in wet, damp, cold, hot, dusty, or humid conditions.
- Regular exposure to food ingredients, cleaning chemicals, industrial noise, powered equipment, and moving mechanical parts.
- Requires sufficient visual acuity to identify, sort, and process recyclable materials accurately and efficiently.
- Must be able to wear required PPE, including safety footwear, gloves, eye protection, face shields, hearing protection, and respiratory protection, for extended periods.
- Flexibility to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as business needs require.
This is a full-time role with a starting wage of $25.00/hour. In addition to rate of pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.
Barry Callebaut can offer you a challenging and dynamic international environment that includes a broad range of opportunities for personal growth and development. Apply for one of our interesting positions and start a great career in the wonderful world of CHOCOLATE. Barry Callebaut is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at the Brantford site.
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Application question(s):
- Are you legally entitled to work in Canada for any employer?
- Do you have experience working in a manufacturing, warehouse, recycling, sanitation, or industrial environment?
- How would you rate your experience operating material-handling equipment such as pallet jacks, electric walkie pallet jacks, forklifts, or similar equipment?
○ No experience
○ Less than 1 year
○ 1–3 years
○ More than 3 years
- This position requires working in a physically demanding environment and may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Are you able to meet these scheduling and physical requirements?
○ Yes
○ No
- Do you have previous experience operating a cardboard baler or similar compaction equipment?
- Do you currently hold, or are you willing to obtain, forklift certification?
- Have you worked in an environment that follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and strict safety procedures?
Work Location: In person
