Forklift Operator

Job Description

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator is primarily responsible for operating a forklift to load and unload several areas on the sawmill that require attention to detail, quality, order picking, physical labor, and yard maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safely operate a heavy-duty forklift to transport green and dried lumber to and from kilns.

Load and unload lumber stacks in accordance with kiln drying schedules and safety protocols.

Support kiln operations by properly staging lumber and ensuring correct placement.

Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs to prevent downtime.

Follow all OSHA and company safety standards during forklift operation and yard work.

Assist with organizing, stacking, and sorting lumber in the yard or storage areas.

Maintain a clean and hazard-free work environment around kilns and loading zones.

Other duties as assigned

Education / Experience / Certification

Years of Experience Preferred: 1-5 years of experience with some type of machinery or production line industry with preference in sawmills.

Move safely, quickly, and perform duties with repetitious movement. Sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, twist, push and pull, maintain balance, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distances, and climb stairs.

Frequent climbing stairs.

Frequent and repetitious use of upper extremities (i.e. shoulders, arms, wrists, hands) in gripping, turning, manipulating objects of various sizes, shapes, weights.

Repetitious bending, kneeling or stretching.

Repetitious pushing and pulling 20 lbs. at 30” working height.

Occasional walking short distances.

Occasional lifting 50 lbs. from floor to 30” working height.

Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting 100 lbs. to 30” working height with the use of a dolly or hoist height.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent problem solving and analytical skills required.

Ability to work independently and in groups.

High degree of attention to detail.

Experience in Sawmill industry is a plus.

Work setting

In-person (Required)

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

STD

Health insurance

Life insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Employee Assistance Program(EAP)

Paid time off

Work Environment Manufacturing Plant Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment are representative of a typical sawmill environment. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. Noise levels are moderate to high depending on the area of the mill. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. Requires close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. Lifting and physical activity is required for this position, must be able to move boards and wood pieces. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Full-time