Forklift Operator
About The Position
The Forklift Operator safely moves, stages, loads, and unloads steel, materials, and equipment throughout the shop and yard using powered industrial trucks. The role supports fabrication and construction operations by ensuring materials reach the correct locations at the right time. It is a hands-on position for a certified operator focused on safe, efficient work. The operator handles incoming deliveries, verifies materials against paperwork, organizes shop and yard storage, and prepares loads for shipment to job sites. The role also includes daily forklift inspections, basic equipment cleaning and routine maintenance, compliance with OSHA and company safety procedures, housekeeping, and coordination with fabrication, shipping, and field crews.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
- Current forklift operator training and certification in accordance with OSHA requirements, or ability to obtain certification before operating independently.
- Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb on and off equipment.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions, indoors and outdoors.
Nice To Haves
- Prior forklift experience in a steel, manufacturing, construction, or warehouse environment.
- Basic knowledge of steel materials, rigging, and load securement; on-the-job training will be provided.
Responsibilities
- Operate a forklift to load, unload, move, and stack steel, fabricated components, construction materials, and equipment.
- Receive deliveries, verify materials against paperwork, and report shortages or damage to supervisors.
- Stage materials for fabrication crews and outbound shipments according to project priorities and schedules.
- Organize and maintain materials, supplies, and equipment in the shop and yard; keep inventory labeled and accessible.
- Stack and store loads securely within rated capacity, using dunnage and blocking as required.
- Load and unload flatbed trucks and trailers, assisting with load placement, rigging, strapping, and securement.
- Coordinate with shipping, fabrication, and field crews to prepare loads on time and match load lists.
- Perform and document daily pre-shift forklift inspections; remove unsafe equipment from service and promptly report defects or malfunctions.
- Assist with basic cleaning and routine maintenance of forklifts, attachments, and related equipment.
- Follow OSHA powered industrial truck standards, company procedures, site rules, and PPE requirements.
- Operate safely by maintaining appropriate speeds and distances, keeping clear sightlines, and using spotters when visibility is limited.
- Report hazards, incidents, and near misses, and take corrective actions as directed.
- Participate in safety meetings and training, including recertification when required.
- Keep travel lanes, loading areas, and storage areas clear and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
- Collaborate and communicate with ironworkers, welders, fabricators, drivers, supervisors, and other crew members to coordinate work.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
