Forklift Operator

FORKLIFT OPERATOR / WAREHOUSE & RECEIVING CLERK

The Forklift Operator / Warehouse & Receiving Clerk is responsible for the safe and efficient receipt, unloading, inspection, documentation, storage, and distribution of materials, supplies, parts, and equipment used in concrete plant operations.

This position combines forklift operation, warehouse/material handling, receiving, inventory control, clerical duties, and computer-based data entry. The successful candidate will be organized, dependable, safety-conscious, and detail-oriented, with the ability to accurately process receiving and inventory information while working in an active industrial environment.

The position works closely with Plant Operations, Maintenance, Purchasing, Accounting, vendors, and delivery drivers to ensure materials are received accurately, documented properly, stored appropriately, and available when needed.

Receiving & Material Handling

• Safely operate a forklift and other approved material-handling equipment to unload, transport, stage, and store incoming materials.
• Receive deliveries of plant supplies, maintenance parts, tools, equipment, packaging materials, and other operational supplies.
• Verify quantities, descriptions, part numbers, and condition of materials against purchase orders, packing slips, bills of lading, and other receiving documents.
• Inspect deliveries for visible damage, shortages, overages, incorrect items, or other discrepancies.
• Document and communicate receiving discrepancies to the Receiving Supervisor, Purchasing, or appropriate department.
• Properly label, organize, and store materials in designated locations.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of material locations and assist employees in locating parts and supplies.
• Load and unload trucks using appropriate equipment and safe work practices.
• Perform routine forklift inspections before operation and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain clean and organized receiving, warehouse, and storage areas.

Clerical & Inventory Responsibilities

• Accurately enter receiving transactions, purchase orders, inventory information, and material quantities into company computer systems.
• Match purchase orders, packing slips, receiving records, and invoices as required.
• Process receiving paperwork and ensure documentation is completed and routed appropriately.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records of received materials.
• Enter and update inventory quantities, part numbers, descriptions, and storage locations.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory activities.
• Research inventory discrepancies and assist in resolving receiving or inventory issues.
• Track backorders, shortages, damaged materials, and incomplete deliveries.
• Prepare basic spreadsheets, reports, logs, and other receiving documentation.
• Maintain organized filing systems and records in accordance with company procedures.
• Communicate professionally with vendors, delivery drivers, Purchasing, Maintenance, Accounting, and Plant Operations.
• Perform routine administrative and data-entry duties in support of the Receiving Department.

Safety & Plant Operations

• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, traffic rules, and plant-specific procedures.
• Wear required PPE and maintain a safety-first approach while performing all duties.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrians, trucks, mobile equipment, and other hazards within the plant.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, incidents, equipment problems, damaged materials, and other concerns promptly.
• Participate in required safety meetings, training, inspections, and toolbox talks.
• Follow proper procedures for handling heavy, bulky, hazardous, or otherwise regulated materials.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous forklift experience required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain company-required forklift certification.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately perform data entry.
• Ability to read and understand purchase orders, packing slips, invoices, inventory records, and other business documents.
• Basic math skills, including counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and inventory calculations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, drivers, and supervisors.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in an active industrial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a concrete, construction materials, manufacturing, aggregate, ready-mix, or industrial environment.
• One or more years of receiving, warehouse, inventory control, or shipping/receiving experience.
• Experience using an ERP, inventory management, purchasing, or plant management system.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, or similar software.
• Experience processing purchase orders, receiving transactions, invoices, and inventory adjustments.
• Experience performing cycle counts or physical inventory.
• Familiarity with basic parts identification and maintenance supplies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Safety awareness: Ability to recognize hazards and operate equipment safely.
• Accuracy: Ability to maintain accurate receiving and inventory records.
• Computer proficiency: Ability to learn and use company software and perform routine data entry.
• Organization: Ability to keep materials, documents, and inventory records organized.
• Communication: Ability to communicate professionally with internal departments, vendors, and drivers.
• Problem solving: Ability to identify discrepancies and take appropriate steps to resolve them.
• Time management: Ability to balance receiving deliveries, forklift duties, inventory tasks, and clerical responsibilities.
• Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with Plant Operations, Maintenance, Purchasing, Accounting, and management.
• Dependability: Consistent attendance, punctuality, and completion of assigned responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb as required.
• Ability to operate a forklift and other material-handling equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to routinely lift and carry materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely move heavier materials using appropriate mechanical equipment.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work around dust, noise, moving equipment, trucks, and other industrial hazards.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness while working around mobile equipment and vehicle traffic.
• Ability to wear required PPE for the duration of the work shift.

Work Environment

The position operates primarily in an active concrete plant receiving, warehouse, and material storage environment. Work may occur both indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to dust, concrete materials, noise, vibration, vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, changing temperatures, and other industrial conditions.

Employees are expected to follow all company safety procedures and use required PPE at all times.

Performance Expectations

Performance in this position will be evaluated based on the employee's ability to:

1. Operate forklifts and material-handling equipment safely.
2. Receive and process deliveries accurately and efficiently.
3. Maintain accurate inventory and receiving records.
4. Complete data entry accurately and in a timely manner.
5. Identify and report material discrepancies promptly.
6. Maintain an organized receiving and storage area.
7. Communicate effectively with internal departments, vendors, and drivers.
8. Follow company policies, safety requirements, and established procedures.
9. Demonstrate reliable attendance and dependable work performance.
10. Support the Receiving Department and overall plant operations as needed.

Success in this role

A successful employee in this position will be able to move materials safely, keep accurate inventory and receiving records, enter information correctly, and maintain an organized receiving operation. The position requires someone who is equally comfortable operating a forklift in the yard or warehouse and working at a computer processing receiving and inventory information.

Important Note

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or reassign duties as business needs require.

Employment is subject to applicable company policies and procedures and