Forklift Operator

Forward Air Services•Des Plaines, IL

10d

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely, accurately, and efficiently loads, unloads, stages, scans, documents, and moves freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. This role supports productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As an experienced team member without direct reports, the operator may mentor and onboard Material Handlers, help coordinate dock workflow, and solve operational problems on the floor. The position requires operating forklifts and other material handling equipment, following safety procedures, and handling freight that may be oversized, high-value, or complex. Operators maintain an organized work area, report damaged freight and safety or equipment concerns, and support operational goals. Assigned schedules may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. Compensation is $23.00 per hour. Available schedules are Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:30 PM; Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; and Saturday–Wednesday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

Requirements

At least 3 years of dock or warehouse experience.
Valid forklift certification or licensure, or the ability to obtain it before operating equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.
Ability to accurately recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings, and perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, and reach trucks, with company-assisted certification or training where applicable.
Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist extensively for 8–12 hours per shift.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50 pounds without assistance, and occasionally handle freight up to 75 pounds with assistance or mechanical aids.
Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, with exposure to temperature extremes, occasional outdoor conditions and precipitation, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED/equivalent is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Load and unload freight using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other appropriate material handling equipment and approved lifting techniques.
Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.
Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
Assist drivers with loading and unloading in accordance with dock and safety procedures.
Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems, maintaining accurate documentation.
Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, and equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.
Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and personal protective equipment standards.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and material handling equipment.
Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures where applicable.
Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall operational goals.
Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.
Safely and accurately handle oversized, high-value, or complex freight.
Assist with dock coordination, workflow management, and problem resolution.
Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, sometimes acting in a lead capacity without direct supervisory responsibility.
Serve as a subject-matter expert on dock operations, equipment, and procedures.
Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.