Equipment Operator

CLP Circular Services•Normal, IL

20d•$19 - $22

About The Position

The Baler/Forklift Operator supports daily recycling and production operations by safely operating forklifts, industrial balers, and automated equipment. The role ensures efficient movement and processing of materials, performs routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance, monitors product quality, and maintains a clean and safe work environment. The operator works with operations teams to maximize efficiency, minimize downtime, and comply with company policies and safety regulations. The position is full-time and based in Normal, Illinois. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with occasional Saturdays. The pay rate is $19.00 per hour plus a $3.00 shift differential, for a stated total of $22.00 per hour. The normal work environment may involve wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather, vibration, occasional work at high or precarious places, and usually loud noise requiring appropriate precautions, including PPE. Physical requirements include regular use of hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, reaching with hands and arms, and exposure to high-traffic conditions or tight driving areas and residential and commercial recyclables and waste. Flexible hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required. Circular Services describes itself as a developer and operator of circular economy infrastructure and services, and the largest private recycling company in the United States, with operations across the country. It helps businesses and municipalities reduce and divert waste and supports recovery, recycling, and reuse of materials.

Requirements

Legally eligible to work in the United States.
Valid driver's license, if applicable.
Able to read, speak, and write basic English.
Mechanical aptitude.
Previous experience operating industrial machinery.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the recycling industry is preferred.
The preferred qualifications describe operating industrial balers and a loader; performing basic preventive maintenance and minor repairs; operating a computer-controlled automated bunker system; maintaining uninterrupted single-stream processing and clean work areas; communicating professionally with plant operations, maintenance, and the baler supervisor; and providing daily baler production reports.

Responsibilities

Perform work safely in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
Monitor material flow and ensure materials are loaded correctly into the baler.
Operate industrial balers, the automated bunker system, forklifts, machinery, and other equipment in the recycling plant.
Perform assigned basic preventive maintenance on industrial balers and associated equipment.
Make minor repairs and adjustments to industrial balers and associated equipment.
Operate the computer-controlled automated bunker system.
Use balers and bunkers to help ensure single-stream processing is not interrupted.
Maintain housekeeping in the assigned area, including equipment and work areas.
Communicate in a timely, appropriate, and professional manner with plant operations, the maintenance department, and the baler supervisor.
Provide daily baler production reports to plant operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.