Forklift Driver 21-25/HR

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Driver Job Description

The Forklift Driver safely loads, unloads, and transports high-grade lumber throughout a busy lumber yard using heavy-duty sit-down forklifts. This role focuses on handling oversized raw materials, preparing lumber packages for truck and railcar shipments, and maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient yard environment. Typical loads range from 6 feet wide up to 20–30 feet in length. The schedule runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Operate heavy-duty sit-down forklifts, often with 10,000+ lb capacity, to move, stack, and transport large bundles of lumber safely and efficiently.
• Load and unload flatbed trucks and railcars, ensuring all loads are properly centered, strapped, and banded to meet safety and quality standards.
• Handle lumber by accurately identifying species, widths, and lengths, and placing materials in the correct storage bays within the yard.
• Perform pre-shift OSHA-required inspections on forklifts, documenting findings and reporting any mechanical issues or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain a safe and organized work area by clearing loose wood, debris, and other hazards from driving and walking paths.
• Verify, label, and scan product inventory to ensure accuracy and prevent product damage during handling and transport.
• Assist customers, truck drivers, and mill staff in locating, selecting, and pulling the correct lumber products and materials.
• Support shipping and receiving operations by preparing lumber packages for outbound shipments and organizing incoming materials in designated areas.
• Follow all yard safety procedures, including safe driving practices, proper lifting techniques, and adherence to established traffic patterns.
• Work collaboratively with team members and communicate clearly with yard and mill staff to coordinate material movement and prioritize tasks.

• Valid forklift certification with demonstrated ability to operate sit-down forklifts safely.
• Experience operating large-capacity forklifts capable of handling oversized loads such as lumber or industrial materials.
• Proficiency in loading and unloading trucks and railcars, including centering, strapping, and banding loads.
• Ability to identify lumber species, widths, and lengths and place materials in designated storage locations.
• Experience with inventory tasks such as verifying, labeling, and scanning product to maintain accuracy.
• Comfort working in both indoor and outdoor environments in a fast-paced, industrial yard setting.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.
• Capability to work independently and as part of a team, following directions and prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Basic knowledge of OSHA safety practices related to forklift operation and pre-shift equipment inspections.
• Material handling experience, including loading, pallet stacking, and shipping and receiving activities.

• Experience working in a lumber mill or lumber yard environment.
• Background handling oversized or irregularly shaped materials in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with using scanners or basic technology for inventory tracking.
• Strong attention to detail when identifying materials, labeling products, and securing loads.
• Good communication skills for interacting with customers, truck drivers, and yard staff.
• Reliability and punctuality for a consistent Monday through Friday schedule.

This is a multi-generation, family-owned organization that values long-term careers and offers a supportive, second-chance friendly culture. Team members benefit from strong internal promotion opportunities, with many upcoming openings as experienced staff approach retirement, creating real potential for rapid career growth. The company supports work-life balance with paid time off, paid holidays, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and life insurance. Employees enjoy a sense of community through annual events such as a summer picnic, holiday party and raffle, and seasonal perks like free turkeys for Thanksgiving.

The role is based in a large lumber yard with multiple sections and several small buildings, where work takes place both indoors and outdoors throughout the shift. The environment is industrial and active, with trucks, forklifts, and materials moving continuously across the yard. You will be exposed to changing weather conditions and the elements while outside, as well as loud machinery and equipment noise typical of a busy lumber operation. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and requires comfort working around heavy equipment, large lumber bundles, and high-traffic yard areas while adhering to all safety procedures.

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

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)

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

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.