Sit Down Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Forklift Operator and Forklift Driver

As a skilled Forklift Operator and Forklift Driver, you will be essential to our warehouse operations, responsible for the safe and efficient movement of pallets and materials. You will primarily focus on loading and unloading trailers, organizing inventory, and ensuring all movements are accurately documented. If you are a dependable individual with forklift experience and a strong commitment to safety and precision, we encourage you to apply!

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider offering Pallet Management Services, 3PL Services, Reverse Logistics Services, and Freight Brokerage & Transportation Management Services, handling over 115 million pallets per year for over 1,500 customers. Now one of the largest pallet manufacturing and recycling companies in the United States, PLA has over 76 facilities, employing upwards of 3500 employees across 23 states, and is still looking for opportunities for growth, both organically and through acquisition.

Pay Rate: $20.00 an hour

• Guaranteed Progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role.

Here's What We Offer:

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday.
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week.
• PTO (Paid Time Off).
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings.
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget.
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications.
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment.
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week.
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases.
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You'll Be Doing:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Manager, the Forklift Driver is responsible for operating and maintaining a sit-down forklift to move and organize pallets within a warehouse environment. As a Forklift Operator, your responsibilities will include:

• Operating a sit-down (electric) forklift to move pallets in and out of trailers and designated areas.
• Performing daily safety inspections of the forklift.
• Refueling or charging forklift tanks as needed.
• Verifying and completing load documentation (paper or digital).
• Moving pallets with accuracy and maintaining clear records.
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
• Following all safety policies and procedures.
• Adapting to new schedules, team structures, or tasks based on operational needs.

What We're Looking For:

• Prior forklift experience is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to lift 70–100 lbs throughout the day.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Must pass PLA forklift certification (certification provided on-site if current is not transferable).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and moving heavy materials regularly throughout the shift (e.g., lumber, pallets).
• Comfortable working in a warehouse environment that may include varying temperatures, noise, and dust.
• Requires good manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity for operating tools, handling materials, and inspecting pallet quality.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions in a noisy environment, as well as alarms and equipment sounds.
• Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for detailed work, reading measurements, identifying defects, and operating machinery safely.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a warehouse environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting HR. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.