Forklift Driver

Forklift Operator

The Forklift Operator will be responsible for safely loading, unloading, and transporting high-grade lumber in the yard. This role involves managing heavy raw materials, inspecting equipment, maintaining yard safety, and preparing lumber packages for truck and railcar shipping. Loads will range from 6 ft. wide to 20/30 ft.

Responsibilities

• Safely drive and operate heavy-duty sit-down forklifts (often 10,000+ lb capacity) to move, stack, and transport large bundles of lumber.
• Load and unload flatbed trucks and railcars accurately, ensuring loads are properly centered, strapped, and banded.
• Accurately identify lumber species, widths, and lengths, and position materials in designated storage bays.
• Conduct pre-shift OSHA-required inspections on forklifts, clear the work area of loose wood and debris, and report any hazards.
• Verify, label, and scan product inventory for accuracy, preventing product damage during movement.
• Assist customers, truck drivers, and fellow mill staff in locating and pulling the correct products.

Essential Skills

• Forklift certification
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Comfortable working in an outdoor environment
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a large-capacity forklift to handle oversized loads varying in dimensions
• Knowledge of lumber species, widths, and lengths
• Experience in shipping and receiving, pallet stacking, and inventory control

Why Work Here?

This company is a second-chance employer and a 3rd generation family-owned business that believes in providing opportunities for individuals ready to build successful careers. With many staff members nearing retirement age, there is significant potential for quick career growth within the company. Enjoy annual events like a summer picnic, holiday party, and raffle, as well as perks such as free turkeys for Thanksgiving, PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, and life insurance.

Work Environment

This role is situated in a larger lumber yard with several sections and multiple small buildings. Candidates will be required to work both outside and inside at various times during their shift. The work environment is large and industrial, with trucks, forklifts, and materials constantly in motion throughout the yard. Candidates must be comfortable being exposed to the elements and loud machinery while working outdoors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Plains, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Plains,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026.