Forklift Operator The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of lumber, materials and products throughout the sawmill, planer mill and shipping areas. This role supports production flow, inventory accuracy, and shipping operations while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards and procedures.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:- Safely operate forklifts and material-handling equipment to move lumber, pallets, and materials
- Load and unload trucks, trailers, and railcars as required
- Transport raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods between departments
- Stack, stage, and organize lumber in designated yard and warehouse locations
- Verify loads for accuracy, stability, and damage prior to movement
- Follow load capacity limits and secure materials properly
- Conduct pre-shift forklift inspections and report mechanical issues immediately
- Assist with inventory counts and material tracking as needed
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
- Comply with all company safety rules, PPE requirements, and forklift operating procedure
- Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
- Sawmill, lumber yard, or manufacturing experience
- Forklift certification (or ability to obtain certification)
- Experience loading lumber, bundles, or oversized materialsFamiliarity with inventory or shipping documentation
- Safety awareness and attention to detail
- Hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness
- Time management and reliability
- Teamwork and communication
- Equipment care and accountability
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in a sawmill, lumber yard or manufacturing environment
- Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification
- Experience loading lumber, bundles, or oversized materialsFamiliarity with inventory or shipping documentation
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:- Must be able to stand 100% of scheduled shift. Lifting, pushing, prying and dragging heavy materials.
- Must be capable of bending, stooping, crawling under or over and occasionally climbing stairs/ladders heights up to 6 or 7 feet.
- Abnormal levels of noise due to grinding, chipping, hammering require hearing protection (ear plus) to be always worn.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Position requires manual dexterity, arm-hand steadiness and a safety-minded individual.
- Must be able to work in an open environment exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Outdoor yard work in varying weather conditions
- Full time; shift assignment based on production needs
- Overtime, nights, weekends or holidays may be required.
