Forklift Operator/Material Handler

Forklift Operator/Material Handler

Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager / Lead Operator

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator/Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of material handling equipment, including forklifts, roll clamp trucks, and jockey trucks to move, locate, relocate, stack, and load/unload materials. This position supports warehouse operations by handling inbound and outbound shipments from containers, railcars, and trucks while ensuring compliance with company safety standards, inventory accuracy, and customer requirements. The Operator works in a fast-paced industrial warehouse environment and maintains a strong commitment to safety, productivity, housekeeping, and operational excellence. In addition to equipment operating skills, manual labor is required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Material Handling & Warehouse Operations

• Unload inbound shipments from containers or railcars (crossing dock levelers and/or mobile dock plates), safely move products to designated storage locations. Unloading railcars may require entry into and through railcars; position railcars for proper door alignment as needed.
• Utilize the warehouse management system (via tablet) to scan materials in/out, take photos of damaged products, annotate paperwork accordingly, and repair minor damage when possible.
• Stack and store cargo in designated areas using forklifts, roll clamp trucks, push-pull attachments, or other powered equipment. Loading/unloading may occur outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Pull and prepare products for shipment, ensuring the exact number and type of product is loaded and shipped accurately.
• Move products from staging and/or storage areas into containers or trailers.

Equipment Operation

• Operate forklifts, roll clamp trucks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently, following standard operating procedures.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and report any deficiencies.
• Be receptive to training on additional equipment types (e.g., jockey truck, top pick/container handler) as required.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, OSHA standards, and applicable regulations.
• Perform OSHA-required pre-shift equipment inspections, complete checklists, and remove unsafe equipment from service.
• Utilize required PPE at all times.
• Participate in safety meetings and training.
• Report safe conditions, near-misses, and incidents immediately.
• Maintain spill prevention (if applicable) and adhere to housekeeping standards (5S).

Facility Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Maintain warehouse cleanliness by sweeping, gathering debris, and emptying trash daily.
• Assist with physical inventory and general organization of work areas.
• Perform routine checks and minor maintenance on equipment as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of forklift operating experience and/or using warehouse distribution equipment; roll clamp experience preferred.
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain certification).
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening (background check, drug screen, physical).
• General computer knowledge (a plus); basic skills for warehouse management system use.
• Attention to detail and excellent customer service skills.
• Ability and to perform manual labor, including lifting, labeling, sweeping, etc.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• High level of attendance and punctuality required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and maneuver materials/equipment as required (manual labor involved).
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to enter/exit railcars and work at various heights when necessary.

Work Environment Industrial warehouse and rail-adjacent facility. Exposure to dust, noise, moving equipment, outdoor elements, and varying weather. Overtime, weekend work, and flexible scheduling may be required based on shipment volumes and operational needs. Operator Progression Path Operator I – Entry / Developing Operator

• Performs material handling and forklift tasks under supervision.
• Qualified on basic forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Learning warehouse management systems, rail unloading procedures, and safety protocols.
• Demonstrates adherence to safety policies, housekeeping standards, and attendance expectations.
• Completes required training and certifications within first 6–12 months.

Operator II – Fully Qualified Operator

• Independently performs full forklift and material handling operations, including complex tasks like roll clamp use and railcar unloading.
• Proficient in warehouse management system, inventory control, and damage reporting/repair.
• Capable of training/mentoring Operator I personnel.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of safety protocols, equipment operation, and productivity expectations.
• Consistently meets or exceeds performance, safety, and housekeeping standards.

Advancement from Operator I to Operator II is based on demonstrated competency, safety performance, equipment qualification, attendance, and leadership behaviors as determined by management.

In addition to the above job duties, employees will be expected to work in various capacities at other locations within the company based on the needs of the company. This job description is not exhaustive or intended to be all-inclusive of all job duties that may apply to an employee.