Communication Skills, Corporate Policies, Crane, Depth Perception, Detail Oriented, Forklift, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, High School Diploma, Inventory Management, Inventory Reports, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Loading/Unloading, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Load, Material Moving, Materials Tracking, Mechanical Maintenance, OSHA, Operations Processes, Organizational Skills, Production Schedule, Regulations, Safety Process, Safety/Work Safety, Shipping Documents, Shipping/Receiving, Team Player, Warehousing
Forklift Operator (Up to 20,000 lb Capacity)
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Forklift Operator to safely operate heavy-capacity forklifts with lifting capacities of up to 20,000 pounds. The ideal candidate will be responsible for loading, unloading, transporting, and staging large materials and equipment while following all safety regulations, company policies, and operational procedures. This position requires experience handling oversized and heavy loads in a manufacturing, warehouse, industrial, or distribution environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate forklifts with lifting capacities up to 20,000 pounds.
- Load, unload, transport, and stack heavy materials, equipment, and products.
- Inspect loads to ensure proper balance, securement, and safe handling before movement.
- Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections of forklifts and report mechanical issues or maintenance needs.
- Follow established traffic patterns, safety procedures, and OSHA regulations.
- Accurately move materials according to work orders, production schedules, or shipping documents.
- Assist with receiving, inventory control, and material staging.
- Work closely with warehouse, production, and shipping personnel to ensure efficient material flow.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Perform other material handling and warehouse duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience operating heavy-capacity forklifts (up to 20,000 lbs preferred).
- Valid forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.
- Experience handling oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads.
- Ability to read work orders, shipping documents, and inventory records.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds when required.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and climb throughout the workday.
- Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Good vision and depth perception required for safe equipment operation.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing, warehouse, industrial, or outdoor work environment.
- Exposure to moving equipment, noise, dust, and changing temperatures.
- Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating large industrial forklifts ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 pounds.
- Experience handling steel, machinery, structural components, pipe, or other oversized materials.
- Knowledge of rigging, load securement, and safe material handling practices.
- Previous experience with overhead cranes or other heavy material handling equipment is a plus.