Willbanks Metals Forklift Operator Willbanks Metals is hiring an experienced 30-ton forklift operator to safely move heavy steel products—including plate, coil, beam, tube, and fabricated parts—across our yard, warehouse, and loading areas. This role is critical to on-time shipping, accurate staging, and safe material flow in a high-volume steel environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Operate a high-capacity (30-ton / 60,000 lb) forklift to move long, wide, and irregular steel loads in production, storage, and loading zones.
Load/unload trucks and railcars; stage outbound loads and replenish production cells according to work orders.
Perform pre-shift inspections (brakes, steering, hydraulic/lift mechanisms, tires, alarms, forks/attachments) and document findings.
Rig and secure materials using chains, straps, blocking, and approved methods; verify weight distribution and center of gravity before travel.
Read/interpret work orders, tickets, and manifests; use RF scanners or yard systems for inventory transactions and location accuracy.
Coordinate movements with spotters and crane operators; maintain radio/hand-signal communication in high-traffic zones.
Maintain housekeeping and lane discipline; keep aisles, racks, and laydown areas organized for safe travel and visibility.
Report equipment damage, near-misses, and hazards immediately; contribute to root-cause and corrective actions.
Comply with OSHA, company safety rules, and PPE requirements at all times.
Minimum Qualifications:
3+ years operating heavy-capacity forklifts in steel, metals, or comparable heavy industrial settings. Demonstrated proficiency in handling long, wide, and irregular loads (plate, coil, beam).Current forklift certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb in/out of equipment repeatedly, and work in indoor/outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, noise).Strong situational awareness, load-securement knowledge, and commitment to pace yourself safely under time pressure. Basic computer/RF scanning skills and the ability to read measurements and yard maps. Preferred
Qualifications:- Experience with coils (C-hooks, coil rams) and oversized plate/beam handling.
- Familiarity with overhead cranes, side-loaders, and rigging.
- Experience using a yard management or inventory system for material movements.
- Understanding of DOT securement principles for staging outbound loads (not a driving role).Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Frequent sitting/standing, climbing on/off equipment, and turning head/torso for visibility.
- Exposure to moving equipment, truck traffic, and variable weather; strict adherence to speed limits, horn use, and pedestrian right-of-way.
- Regular use of PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, high-visibility apparel).Schedule & Compensation
Full-time.
Competitive pay with OT eligibility.
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO.This job description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
