Forklift Technician
About The Position
The Forklift Operator – Sorting & Finishing (Special Pieces) is responsible for safely and efficiently moving special pieces through the sorting and finishing process. The operator keeps production lines supplied, transports finished products to storage and shipping, and handles products carefully to protect quality. The role includes daily forklift operation, inventory tracking, equipment inspections, and coordination with production, quality control, and shipping to meet production goals and safety standards. The position is based in Baxter, Tennessee, in the Sorting & Finishing – Special Pieces department at Portobello Manufacturing. The work takes place in a plant environment with noise, dust, and temperature changes. The role may require overtime or varying shifts as needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Valid forklift operator certification, or ability to complete Portobello’s forklift training and certification before operating equipment.
- Safe and precise forklift handling in tight spaces.
- Basic math, reading, and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand, walk, bend, and twist for extended periods.
- Ability and willingness to work in a plant environment with noise, dust, and temperature changes.
- Willingness to work overtime or varying shifts as needed.
- Safety-mindedness, attention to detail, reliability, and ability to communicate and work well with others.
Nice To Haves
- At least 1 year of forklift operation experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment.
- Experience handling fragile or finished goods such as ceramic, tile, glass, or stone.
- Familiarity with RF scanners or inventory systems.
Responsibilities
- Safely operate a forklift to move special pieces, including trims, bullnose, mosaics, decorative items, and specialty items, between production, sorting, finishing, and warehouse areas.
- Load, unload, and stage pallets and racks to support department workflow.
- Deliver incoming product to sorting and finishing lines on time and remove completed product to keep production supplied.
- Handle products carefully to prevent chipping, breakage, or damage.
- Verify pallets are correctly labeled, stacked, wrapped, and secured before moving or storing them.
- Report damaged or nonconforming products to the supervisor.
- Place finished goods in correct storage locations and accurately scan or record movements, counts, and transfers.
- Assist with cycle counts and keep staging and storage areas organized.
- Complete daily pre-shift forklift inspections and checklists; promptly report mechanical issues, damage, or unsafe conditions.
- Keep the forklift clean and properly charged or fueled.
- Coordinate with sorters, finishing operators, quality control, and shipping to prioritize moves and meet production and shipping goals.
- Follow OSHA forklift regulations and company safety policies, including speed limits, pedestrian awareness, load capacity limits, and PPE requirements.
- Maintain a clean, hazard-free work area following 5S practices.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
