Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

Company: GCP PAPER USA, Inc.

Location: New Caney, TX

Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Shift: 12 - Hour Rotating Shifts

Job Summary

GCP PAPER USA, Inc. is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Forklift Operator to join our Shipping & Receiving team in Houston. In this role, you will safely and efficiently operate forklifts to move, organize, load, and unload pallets and various materials throughout the plant and warehouses. Your work will ensure production lines remain stocked and customer trailers are loaded safely and on time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Material Handling: Safely operate forklifts and maneuver lifting mechanisms (levers and pedals) precisely to position forks under, above, or around loads, transporting them to designated plant or warehouse areas.
• Loading & Unloading: Load and unload materials from customer and carrier trailers using ramps and maneuvering docks in compliance with shipping orders and dispatch timelines.
• Pre-Shift Inspections: Conduct mandatory pre-shift safety checklists and operate equipment with extreme care to minimize risks of collisions, falling materials, or production floor incidents.
• Battery Maintenance: Connect and charge electric forklift batteries strictly during designated times and in assigned areas to optimize power consumption, and inspect equipment for battery fluid leaks.
• Traffic Control & Safety: Adhere strictly to internal speed limits, utilize audible signals (horn) at corners, and comply with all OSHA and company safety regulations to promote an incident-free environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Certifications: Valid certification/license for safe forklift operation required (Forklift Certification).
• Technical Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of industrial safety and OSHA guidelines for powered industrial trucks.
• Language: Basic communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Skills: High motor coordination, precision handling, strong safety awareness, and adaptability to flexible shifts and overtime.
• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Postures: Ability to sit for prolonged periods while repetitively adjusting body positioning to turn and look backward safely.
• Coordination & Vision: Excellent sense of balance, strong near/far/color vision, and high eye-hand-foot coordination for controlling pedals and levers.
• Lifting: Ability to occasionally lift manual pallets or objects weighing between 50 and 75 lbs.
• Environment: Regular exposure to industrial environments including extreme weather/temperatures (heat and cold), paper dust, airborne particles, and variable industrial noise.
• Required PPE: Mandatory use of steel-toe boots, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and hard hats.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Company Benefits

• 100% Employer-Paid Healthcare: Fully covered individual Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 100% Employer-Paid Disability: Fully covered Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
• Retirement: 401(k) Plan.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO).

Standard Disclaimers & Compliance

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Employment At-Will: This job description does not constitute an employment contract. Employment with GCP PAPER USA, Inc. is "At-Will," meaning that either the employee or the company can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or prior notice.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: GCP PAPER USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.
• Regulatory Compliance: The individual in this position is responsible for adhering to all OSHA safety protocols, ISO 9001:2015 standards, FSC certification requirements, the corporate Code of Ethics, Employee Manual, and active Human Resources policies.