Shipping Forklift Operator

About the Job

Founded by the Channell family in 1922, Channell is a global designer, manufacturer, and seller of outside plant infrastructure equipment. The markets served by Channell are Telecommunications, Municipalities, Internet Service Providers, Wireless, Water, Power, and CATV, among others. Major product lines include a complete line of thermoplastic and metal fabricated enclosures, fiber optic cable connection and management systems and high performance below grade vaults.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of materials throughout the facility, yard, and warehouse to support production, shipping, and inventory accuracy. This role ensures timely delivery of materials, accurate system transactions, and proper storage of goods to maintain continuous production flow and operational efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Safely operate powered industrial trucks (e.g., sit-down forklift) to transport raw materials and finished goods.
• Supply production lines and remove finished goods to maintain continuous material flow.
• Load and unload trucks in accordance with shipping documentation, ensuring accuracy and damage prevention.
• Perform inventory transactions using scanning systems to accurately track all material movements.
• Maintain inventory accuracy by ensuring all materials are properly scanned, labeled, and stored.
• Conduct assigned cycle counts and report discrepancies for resolution.
• Maintain organized storage areas, including proper stacking, labeling, wrapping, and consolidation.
• Ensure materials are stored in designated locations to support safe access and efficient retrieval.
• Operate equipment safely in a high-traffic environment with constant awareness of surroundings.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Follow all forklift safety procedures and company policies.
• Communicate with team members, drivers, and supervisors to coordinate material movement in a manner that ensures safe operations. Communication must be sufficient to clearly convey and receive safety-related information in a high-noise, industrial environment.
• Use horns, signals, and other communication methods to alert others in shared workspaces.
• Recognize and respond to visual and audible warning signals.
• Ability to quickly recognize, interpret, and respond to changing conditions, alarms, and safety signals to prevent accidents or injury./
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Knowledge of forklift operation and safety procedures.
• Understanding of warehouse and material flow processes.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to operate equipment safely in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and respond to hazards.
• Effective communication skills.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Obtain and maintain forklift operator certification.
• Complete equipment inspection and safe operation training.
• Follow all departmental safety rules and PPE requirements.
• Understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ability to learn and follow applicable ISO procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of forklift experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Ability to understand and follow work instructions, safety rules, and shipping documentation, and to communicate information necessary to perform job duties safely.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment safely in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and respond to changing conditions in real time.
• Ability to communicate effectively to support safe and coordinated operations, with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate equipment requiring coordinated hand, foot, and visual attention.
• Ability to maintain awareness of surroundings, including detecting hazards.
• Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings, including detecting and responding to moving equipment, pedestrians, alarms, and other hazards through visual and auditory cues.

• Ability to maintain awareness of surroundings, including detecting moving equipment, pedestrians, and hazards through visual and auditory cues.

Working Conditions:

• Work performed in a manufacturing, warehouse, and outdoor yard environment.
• Exposure to noise, moving machinery, and varying weather conditions.
• Work in proximity to powered industrial trucks and shipping operations.