Forklift Operator

Cherokee Brick•Macon, GA

26d

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely moves, loads, unloads, stages, stacks, and restocks brick products in an industrial brick-manufacturing and loading-yard environment, primarily outdoors. The role includes inspecting forklifts, verifying products and quantities, repairing and securing brick cubes, maintaining accurate product movement and inventory information, and keeping work areas clean and organized. Operators must remain aware of pedestrians, trucks, railcars, equipment, stored products, and changing yard conditions. The regular shift is 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., though shift times may vary by location and operational needs. Overtime, weekends, or holidays may be required, and schedules may change based on business needs, customer requirements, weather, equipment breakdowns, or other operational circumstances. The position involves exposure to dust, noise, vibration, changing weather, uneven surfaces, broken brick, packaging materials, and moving vehicles and equipment. Required PPE includes hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, and other equipment as required. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the ADA. The selected applicant must successfully complete a post-offer drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Must successfully complete required forklift training and evaluation before independently operating a forklift and maintain required certification and company authorization.
Ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift and handle brick products in an industrial environment.
Ability to load, unload, transport, stage, and stack products accurately.
Ability to inspect equipment, identify unsafe conditions, and recognize damaged or unstable loads.
Ability to repair and secure brick cubes using approved packaging tools and procedures.
Ability to maintain awareness of pedestrians, vehicles, railcars, blind spots, and surrounding hazards.
Ability to read and understand safety procedures, warning signs, product information, load information, and written instructions.
Basic math and counting skills for product verification and inventory accuracy.
Ability to follow instructions, communicate effectively, work independently or with a team, and maintain attention to safety and product quality.
Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a forklift and frequently enter and exit equipment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, squat, reach, twist, turn, and work at or above shoulder height.
Ability to frequently rotate the head, neck, shoulders, and upper body to maintain visibility when backing and maneuvering equipment.
Ability to use hands, wrists, arms, legs, and feet to operate controls and handle materials and tools.
Ability to grip, grasp, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements while repairing and strapping brick cubes.
Ability to lift, carry, position, and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance.
Ability to apply repeated pulling and downward force when using manual strapping tools.
Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness while operating equipment and working around hazards.
Ability to work on uneven surfaces and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and sunlight.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment throughout the shift.
Follow established procedures for entering trailers or other loading areas and for repairing, restacking, or strapping brick cubes.
Inspect strapping tools and other equipment before use; do not operate defective equipment or interfere with safety devices.
Wear the seat belt or operator restraint system as required.
Must successfully complete a post-offer drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous forklift operating experience preferred.
Manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, distribution, loading-yard, or industrial experience preferred.
Previous experience loading and unloading trucks or handling palletized products preferred.

Responsibilities

Safely operate a sit-down forklift to transport, stage, stack, restock, load, and unload brick products.
Load and unload trucks according to established procedures, product requirements, weight distribution, and safety standards.
Position and stage products in designated storage and loading areas.
Inspect brick cubes for loose, damaged, missing, or improperly positioned brick; repair, restack, and secure cubes using approved straps, corner protectors, and strapping tools.
Safely use manual strapping and tensioning tools.
Verify products, quantities, labels, and load information before moving or shipping products.
Ensure loads are stable, properly positioned, and within the forklift's rated capacity before lifting or transporting.
Complete required pre-use forklift inspections and report damage, defects, mechanical problems, and unsafe conditions.
Maintain safe operating speeds and follow designated traffic patterns, loading procedures, pedestrian rules, and safe work practices.
Identify and report damaged brick, unstable cubes, packaging issues, incorrect product placement, and other quality concerns.
Maintain accurate product movement records and assist with inventory counts and verification.
Keep the loading yard clean and organized by removing broken brick, discarded packaging, and other debris.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, drivers, and coworkers, and follow written and verbal instructions.
Assist with other shipping, loading-yard, and operational duties as assigned.
Follow company safety policies and procedures; complete required training and evaluations; wear required PPE; and participate in safety meetings, inspections, and training.
Immediately report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses.