Forklift Operator Jobs

About The Position

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.