Forklift Operator

Lake Charles

Full time

2026_01858

Company Overview

Firestone Polymers, LLC is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA and manufactures polymers and synthetic rubber in our world-class ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 registered plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Firestone's unique anionic polymerization technology allows production of high purity, high molecular weight polybutadiene and a wide range of block, random, and vinyl modified styrene-butadiene copolymers. These products are sold around the world for use in tires, impact modification of plastics and hot melt adhesives. Statistical process control is used in every step of the operation. Firestone Polymers, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, a division of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company.

Job Category

Supply Chain & Procurement

Position Summary

Moves and stores materials/products using a combination of manual labor and low complexity machinery/equipment.

Responsibilities

General Description of Work

A. Check Forklift for Safe Operation

1. Brakes

2. Steering

3. Oil

4. Battery

5. Tires

6. Flashing Light

7. Water

8. Horn

B. Operating Checklist

1. Operate forklift in warehouse to see that it will operate safely.

2. If any adjustments are needed, contact Shipping Foreman for a mechanic to be called out.

3. Check the forward and reverse motion of forklift truck.

4. Check prongs, hoist and tilt for proper operation.

5. Complete Daily Forklift Inspection Form (required).

C. We have four different kinds of work for forklift truck operators:

1. Boxcar and Trailer Loading

A. Check with Shipping Clerk as to which boxcar or trailer is to be loaded and place ramp in car/trailer.

B. Check out the ramp and car/trailer for safe condition.

C. Check with Shipping Clerk for the rubber to be loaded and what pattern to use in loading car/trailer.

D. Load the rubber on the car/trailer.

E. Remove ramps from car/trailer.

F. Cross-haul units between buildings, if needed.

G. Unload trailers of packaging supplies and drummed or dry chemicals.

H. Deliver packaging supplies and drummed or dry chemical, as needed.

I. Operate track mobile, as required.

1. Production Pulling

A. Ensure all R.A.C.s being brought into building to be loaded are in good condition. If not, they are to be rejected.

B. Units of rubber will not be moved from production line until they are properly ticketed.

C. Different types of rubber are placed in the warehouse in their appropriate areas.

D. Write weight and date on each skid (when printer is out of order).

E. Check scales once per shift with two 1,000# weights with the cable sling off. Scales must be within plus or minus two pounds. If not, report this to the Production Foreman immediately.

F. Haul “HOG” rubber to the hogging area, if needed.

1. Outside Forklift Operator

A. Supply Process #2 and #3 with prepped R.A.C.s.

B. Relieve production puller and self for breaks.

C. Unload railcars and trailers, as needed.

D. Load/unload damaged R.A.C.s to be sent out to vendor for repairs.

E. Unload any after hour deliveries of packaging or chemicals, as required.

F. Keep dumpsters empty and available at all times.

G. Weigh and ticket all units of P.C.M. These units are to be carried to Process #1 and placed in designated area for wet or dry only.

H. Operate track mobile, as required.

Safety Requirements

A. Use caution at all times when operating forklift trucks.

B. Stop at all blind corners and sound horn.

C. Check for pedestrians in areas where working.

D. Keep forklift under control at all times.

E. Always wear eye protection in the Plant.

Physical Activities and Work Conditions

A. 90% of the time spent driving forklift, 10% of time spent on checking railcars and on breaks.

B. Some pulling on railcar doors and walking on uneven ground to check railcars (proper shoes required).

C. Must have normal vision and hearing.

D. Some exposure to engine fumes and dust in the warehouses.

E. Must be able to read and write.

F. Some climbing experienced on ladders; on docks and on/off of forklift.

Shipping Department

General Safety Procedures

1. Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the Plant.
2. No running in the Plant.
3. Check each blind corner before walking out into an aisle or onto loading dock.
4. No unauthorized persons (person not working in the area) allowed in the warehouses or on the loading dock.
5. Forklift operating (see checklist):

A. Read your operating manual for forklift operation.

B. Before operating - check horn, brakes, steering and flashing light.

C. Slow down at blind corners and aisles, blow your horn.

D. When carrying a load that blocks your view, operator must travel in reverse.

E. When two crews are working in the same warehouse, plan the work so that each forklift will use different doorways while loading.

F. Forklift drivers watch for pedestrians and fellow workers when traveling.

1. Ensure mirrors on all docks and other work areas are kept clean and adjusted for best usage.
2. Read your job safety reviews once every six months to ensure that you know how to perform each job safely.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Good communication skills, ability to handle multiple assignments

Experience in a manufacturing/industrial setting or warehouse a plus

Ability to work 12-hour rotating shift with overtime

On the Job Training:

Computer Based Learning (CBL’s), also off site training is provided when needed depending on job position and requirements.

Certain roles at Firestone Polymers are required to be on Emergency Response Teams (ERT) to respond to any emergencies that could come up at the site. Being on the ERT team requires passing a physical and additional trainings, including exterior firefighting, high-angle rescue, HazMat response, etc. The role you’re applying for could require ERT training. It’s also possible that ERT training will be required when moving into new roles or transferring departments.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a high school degree

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they feel safe bringing their chosen version of themselves to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.

• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.

• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.

• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.

• An effective and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider all individuals for employment based on their unique merit and without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.

Based in Nashville Tennessee, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The Bridgestone Americas family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its global corporate social responsibility (CSR), commitment Our Way to Serve, Bridgestone embraces its responsibility as a global leader by striving to improve the way people move, live, work and play.