Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator / Material Handler

This role combines forklift operation and material handling in a busy manufacturing environment. The Forklift Operator / Material Handler coordinates the loading and unloading of materials and finished products with shipping and receiving, controls heavy machinery to move materials throughout the facility, and ensures merchandise is prepared and secured for safe, efficient transport. The position uses radio communication to determine work priorities, performs routine maintenance on forklifts and related tools, and supports multiple departments with accurate and timely material movement. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with mandatory overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate outgoing loads with the Shipping Department and Purchasing Department to ensure accurate and timely shipments.
• Coordinate the unloading of inbound freight with the Planning and Receiving Department, verifying materials and directing them to the correct areas.
• Weigh materials and products and record weights on tags, labels, or production schedules to maintain accurate inventory and production records.
• Perform routine forklift and industrial truck maintenance, including lubricating equipment, recharging batteries, filling fuel tanks, and replacing liquefied gas tanks as needed.
• Maintain warehouse and storage area location integrity so that parts, materials, and products are stored and identified correctly.
• Ensure all boxes, crates, and pallets are clearly labeled with part numbers or sales order (SO) numbers to support inventory control and order accuracy.
• Support all departments with material handling by delivering and moving parts, products, and supplies to designated work areas.
• Communicate with staff regarding part deliveries, timing, and location to keep production and other operations running smoothly.
• Move nonconforming (NC) parts to the MRB quarantine area in accordance with established procedures.
• Dispose of scrap on a weekly basis after MRB disposition is determined, following company standards and applicable regulations.
• Drive industrial trucks equipped with lifting devices such as forklifts, booms, clamps, elevating platforms, or trailer hitches to push, pull, lift, stack, tier, or move products, equipment, and materials.
• Operate forklift controls by moving levers and pressing pedals to drive the truck and control the movement of lifting apparatus safely and efficiently.
• Position forks, lifting platforms, or other lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, boxes, products, or materials, or attach tow trucks to trailer hitches, and transport loads to designated areas.
• Load, unload, and stack materials by raising and lowering lifting devices while following safe material handling practices.
• Function in accordance with established standards, procedures, and applicable laws related to safety, equipment operation, and material handling.
• Keep job knowledge current by learning and applying updated procedures, safety practices, and equipment operation techniques.
• Perform filing and record-keeping tasks related to inventory, shipping, receiving, and material movement.
• Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form to complete tasks accurately and on time.
• Prioritize projects and tasks effectively to meet deadlines and support production and shipping schedules.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall warehouse, shipping, and manufacturing operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience operating forklifts in a warehouse, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Proficiency in material handling, including loading, unloading, stacking, and moving products and materials safely.
• Experience with shipping and receiving processes, including coordinating inbound and outbound freight.
• Hands-on experience with inventory handling in a warehouse or production setting.
• Ability to perform filing and record-keeping tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on detail and accuracy in labeling, documentation, and material placement.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, to coordinate effectively with multiple departments.
• Ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
• Comfort working in a shop-style industrial environment with changing temperatures, noise, and mechanical equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in an industrial, shop, or manufacturing environment handling mechanical parts and materials.
• Previously worked in warehouse forklift operation, inventory control, or shipping functions.
• Ability to work mandatory overtime when business needs require.
• Comfort with routine equipment maintenance such as lubricating machinery, recharging batteries, and refueling or changing gas tanks.
• Experience using radio communication or similar tools to coordinate work priorities.
• Demonstrated reliability and strong work ethic in a production or warehouse setting.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a growing company with strong business activity and the opportunity to share in its success. New hires become eligible for benefits after 90 days, supporting long-term stability and well-being. After five months of employment, team members in good standing can participate in a bonus and profit-sharing program, which has recently delivered consistently strong monthly bonus checks. The culture rewards reliability, performance, and teamwork, offering a stable schedule with overtime opportunities and a clear path to earning additional income through company profitability.

Work Environment

The role is based in an industrial manufacturing setting that produces switches used on power lines to transfer electricity. The environment is similar to a traditional shop floor, and conditions can be dirty, with dust and metal components present. Temperature inside the facility varies with the weather outside, so team members should be comfortable wearing warm clothing in the winter and cooler clothing in the summer. While performing job duties, employees are regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and frequently to vibration. There may be occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level is usually loud, and appropriate safety practices are followed. This environment is best suited for individuals who are comfortable in a busy, hands-on industrial or shop setting rather than a semiconductor or clean room environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Forest Grove, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Forest Grove, OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.