Forklift Operator

Forward Air•Portland, OR

13d

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently loads, unloads, stages, scans, documents, and moves freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock. The role contributes to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity while operating certified forklifts and other material handling equipment. As an experienced team member without direct reports, the operator may assist with mentoring and onboarding Material Handlers, coordinating dock workflow, and resolving complex operational problems. The position pays $22.00 per hour plus a $2.00 shift premium. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 2 AM–10 AM. The role may also require working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

Requirements

Valid forklift certification or licensure, or ability to obtain it before operating equipment.
At least 3 years of dock or warehouse experience.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.
Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately 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, including pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, reach trucks, and other specialized equipment as required by the site.
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, GED, or equivalent is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Load and unload freight using 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 according to operating procedures.
Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
Assist drivers with loading and unloading according to dock and safety procedures.
Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems.
Identify damaged freight and report issues, unsafe conditions, and equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.
Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and material handling equipment.
Perform work under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and procedures in developing roles.
Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and 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.