Forklift Operator

Industrial Sit-Down Forklift Operator / Loader

Location: Baytown, TX
Pay: $16.50 per hour; increases to $17.50 upon permanent placement
Schedule: Rotating 12-hour shifts, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM and 7:00 PM–7:00 AM
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Benefits: Full benefits available upon permanent placement

Job Overview

Openwork is seeking an experienced Sit-Down Forklift Operator/Loader for a fast-paced industrial warehouse in Baytown, TX. This is not an order-picking or basic warehouse position. Operators will use sit-down forklifts to safely move, stage, load, and unload pallets of bagged plastic pellets weighing up to approximately 3,000 pounds.

The ideal candidate has strong loading experience, excellent forklift control, and a proven ability to handle heavy and potentially unstable loads without damaging products, pallets, equipment, or the facility. Safety, quality, attendance, and punctuality are extremely important in this position.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely operate a sit-down forklift in a busy industrial warehouse

• Load and unload trailers according to established procedures

• Move, stage, and organize pallets of bagged plastic pellets

• Transport palletized loads weighing up to approximately 3,000 pounds

• Inspect pallets and loads for damage, shifting, or unsafe conditions

• Complete pre-shift forklift inspections and report equipment concerns

• Position loads accurately without damaging products, racks, trailers, or equipment

• Maintain a safe speed and remain aware of pedestrians and surrounding operations

• Support production and shipping needs in a fast-paced environment

• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area

• Follow all safety, quality, and operating procedures

• Perform additional warehouse or general labor duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Previous sit-down forklift and trailer-loading experience is required

• Must be confident handling large, heavy pallets

• Strong safety record and ability to operate without product or equipment damage

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, non-climate-controlled industrial warehouse

• Able to work safely in hot and changing weather conditions

• Must be available for rotating day and night shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed

• Must be extremely punctual, dependable, and able to maintain consistent attendance

• Reliable transportation to the Baytown worksite is required

• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with limited supervision

• Must meet all pre-employment and site-access requirements

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in industrial manufacturing, plastic resin, chemical, petrochemical, packaging, distribution, or high-volume loading facilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is an excellent contract-to-hire opportunity for an experienced forklift operator who takes pride in working safely, protecting the product, and keeping operations moving efficiently.

To Apply:
Text Amadeo Garza at (281) 643-8164, ext. 2063. Please include your full name, current location, and a brief description of your sit-down forklift and loading experience.