Job Title: Baler/Wastewater Operator
Reports to: Corrugator Supervisor
Location: Sturtevant, WI
Position Summary
Resumen del Puesto
The Baler/Wastewater Operator owns two systems that keep the plant running and legal: the corrugator scrap system (trim collection, baler, bale staging) and the wastewater pretreatment system that handles starch, adhesive, and washdown water before discharge to the municipal sewer. A scrap backup stops the Fosber 98". An out-of-spec discharge is a permit violation with legal and financial consequences for the plant. This position is trusted to prevent both.
El Operador de Embaladora/Aguas Residuales es responsable de dos sistemas que mantienen la planta funcionando y en cumplimiento legal: el sistema de desperdicio de la corrugadora (recolección de recorte, embaladora, almacenamiento de pacas) y el sistema de pretratamiento de aguas residuales que procesa el agua de almidón, adhesivo y lavado antes de la descarga al drenaje municipal. Una acumulación de desperdicio detiene la Fosber 98". Una descarga fuera de especificación es una violación del permiso con consecuencias legales y financieras para la planta.
Compensation:
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About Us
ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Results
Responsabilidades Principales
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Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
Wastewater Treatment
Baler Operations
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Safely operate the baler to produce finished scrap bales.
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Perform daily equipment inspections before operation.
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Monitor scrap conveyors, trim systems, and baler performance.
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Weigh, tag, and record all completed bales.
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Report equipment issues and assist in minimizing production downtime.
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Operate the wastewater pretreatment system following established procedures.
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Monitor and adjust pH and treatment chemicals as required.
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Collect and record required wastewater readings and samples.
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Manage sludge disposal and maintain treatment chemical inventory.
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Perform routine inspections of pumps, mixers, and treatment equipment.
Safety & Environmental Compliance
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Follow all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures before servicing equipment.
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Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals.
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Never enter confined spaces such as pits, tanks, or sumps.
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Report spills, equipment malfunctions, and environmental concerns immediately.
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Follow all company safety policies and environmental regulations.
Housekeeping
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Maintain clean and organized work areas using 5S standards.
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Keep chemical storage areas safe and properly labeled.
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Complete all required production, downtime, and inspection logs accurately.
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Assist the corrugator team with cleanup and material handling as needed.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)/Performance Measures
Medidas de Desempeno
Safety compliance, permit compliance, and attendance are measured from day one — environmental compliance is not baselined, it is absolute. Operational KPIs will be baselined over the first 60–90 days of coded data before formal targets are set, consistent with plant measurement standards.
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Permit compliance: zero unauthorized discharges, zero exceedances attributable to operation, 100% of required pH/parameter readings and samples logged on schedule — from day one.
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Safety: zero LOTO violations, zero confined space entries, zero chemical handling without required PPE — from day one.
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Corrugator downtime minutes attributed to scrap system / baler backup (reason-coded) — baseline, then reduce.
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Baler and treatment system downtime minutes — 100% of events logged with reason codes.
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Bale log accuracy: weights and tags reconcile with hauler tickets.
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5S audit scores for baler, scrap, and wastewater treatment zones (audited under the CI 5S sustainment program).
Qualifications and Skills
Calificaciones y Requisitos Físicos
Required:
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High school diploma or GED
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Prior industrial/manufacturing experience preferred; wastewater, chemical handling, or corrugated experience a plus. Will train the right candidate.
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Must complete and pass ND PKG LOTO training and chemical handling (HazCom) training before independent operation — no exceptions.
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Able to accurately read a pH meter/test, record numeric data legibly, and follow written procedures in English, Mandarin or Spanish; bilingual a plus.
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Demonstrated integrity in recordkeeping — wastewater logs are legal documents submitted in support of the plant's discharge permit.
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Physical: stand/walk full shift; lift up to 50 lbs; handle chemical containers up to 5 gal; push/pull scrap carts; bend, reach, and work around moving equipment, wet floors, dust, and noise (PPE provided)R
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Reliable attendance — this position is a single point of failure for both corrugator uptime and permit compliance on its shift.
Preferred:
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Prior experience operating a horizontal or vertical baler in a corrugated, paper, or recycling facility
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Familiarity with OCC (old, corrugated container) grading standards and recycling buyer specifications
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Experience with bale weight documentation and recycling revenue tracking
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Knowledge of fire prevention requirements in paper-handling environments
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Bilingual in Mandarin a plus
Working Conditions
Plant site
Physical Requirements
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Stand and walk for extended periods on concrete floors.
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Lift and move materials up to 50 lbs.
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Push and pull loaded waste carts.
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Bend, reach, stoop, and twist throughout the shift.
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Safely operate a forklift for material handling and bale staging.
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Work in a dusty, noisy manufacturing environment.
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Handle bale wire while wearing required PPE, including cut-resistant gloves.
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Climb in and out of forklift equipment as needed throughout the shift.
Attributes for Success
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Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
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Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
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Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
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Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
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Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
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Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.
ND Paper Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
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Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
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Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
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Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
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A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
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Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.
Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2025 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!
Apply
Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers
No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit
