Equipment Operator Trainee - Salvage Baler

Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona•Van Buren, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Operator Trainee participates in a training program lasting at least 90 days to learn safe operation of various equipment, including baling machines used to produce bales for salvage or recycling vendors, and sit-down forklifts used to transport materials. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring compliance with safety policies and use of required personal protective equipment at all times. After completing the training program, the trainee must remain in good standing without workplace corrective action or performance improvement infractions and successfully complete 90 days of solo machine operation without safety incidents. With successful completion and approval from the supervisor and leadership team, the trainee may become eligible for promotion to Equipment Operator. The role supports Retail Operations Center operations, including handling donated goods, operating and inspecting equipment, maintaining work areas, and following safety procedures. Regular, consistent in-person attendance is required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
Possess a forklift certification certificate or be able to pass the company’s forklift certification class.
Ability to be trained and take direction.
Ability to speak and read English proficiently.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable.
Must complete a training program lasting no less than 90 days.
After training, must remain in good standing without workplace corrective action or performance improvement infractions and successfully complete 90 days of solo machine operation without safety incidents.

Responsibilities

Safeguard company property, including donated goods, and report theft, misappropriation, or unauthorized possession.
Safeguard equipment, including forklifts and bale machines, and clear debris or materials that could damage equipment.
Ensure proper load handling and verify that machines are in working order before safe operation.
Take direction from leadership with a positive attitude.
May be cross-trained to support all Retail Operations Center departments, including donation processing.
Follow safety rules, use appropriate safety equipment, and immediately address or report unsafe conditions and potential hazards.
Manually transfer donated goods from merchandise containers (Gaylords) to the baling machine.
Operate the baling machine to compress goods into bales.
Load and unload merchandise containers from trailers and straight trucks safely.
Operate hydraulic lifts and/or pallet jacks to move merchandise containers.
Perform pre-shift forklift and tipper machine inspections, including fluid checks and safety precautions.
Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures if equipment is unsafe or inoperable and notify leadership.
Visually inspect contents and manually remove breakable materials.
Sweep and/or dust daily; sweep and mop floors and wash walls around baling machines as directed.
Follow the daily product placement plan schematic.
Maintain regular and consistent in-person attendance.
Model Goodwill Core Values: Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation.
Perform other related duties as assigned.