General Laborer/Forklift Operator

General Laborer

The General Laborer supports daily production operations in an industrial metal processing environment by safely operating mobile and stationary equipment, accurately handling incoming materials, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. This role requires consistent adherence to safety procedures, collaboration with team members, and the ability to follow production schedules and instructions from supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Follow production schedules and complete assigned work tasks on time.
• Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, and material handlers in a safe, efficient, and professional manner, in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Operate stationary equipment including balers, shears, puckers/shredders, and chopping lines, following manufacturer specifications and designated procedures.
• Perform assigned equipment checks and basic maintenance in a timely and professional manner, documenting actions as required.
• Develop and apply metal identification skills and testing methods to support accurate sorting and processing.
• Comply with applicable training and compliance requirements, including ISO 9001 standards when relevant to work assignments.
• Interact with coworkers, customers, and visitors in a professional and positive manner, demonstrating strong customer service skills.
• Accurately sort, weigh, and receive incoming metal from dealer, industrial, and retail accounts as assigned.
• Safely perform torch cutting and shearing of metal in accordance with safety rules and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace at the conclusion of each shift or upon completion of a project.
• Demonstrate good safety habits and follow all company safety rules and procedures at all times.
• Follow established union guidelines applicable to the role.
• Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
• Communicate effectively with customers and coworkers and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Accept direction and constructive feedback from supervisors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Ability to safely operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, and material handlers.
• Ability to operate stationary equipment including balers, shears, puckers/shredders, and chopping lines according to manufacturer specifications.
• Capability to perform basic equipment checks and maintenance and accurately document completed actions.
• Skill in identifying different types of metal and applying appropriate testing methods.
• Ability to accurately sort, weigh, and receive incoming metal from various account types.
• Competence in safely torch cutting and shearing metal while following safety procedures.
• Strong adherence to safety rules and good safety habits in an industrial environment.
• Ability to interact with others professionally and demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Reliability in maintaining punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and follow directions from supervisors.
• Capability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general labor or construction environments.
• Previous experience in warehouse or production settings.
• Familiarity with hand tools and power tools used in industrial operations.
• Experience with assembly, loading, and picking tasks.
• Ability to use a tape measure accurately.
• Experience with sit-down forklift or heavy equipment operation is preferred.
• Bilingual language skills are preferred.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a culture that values safety, teamwork, and professionalism in a fast-paced industrial setting. Team members benefit from clear procedures, structured training, and opportunities to build practical skills in equipment operation and metal processing. The environment emphasizes cooperation, reliable scheduling, and a supportive approach to feedback and development, helping individuals grow their capabilities while contributing to efficient operations.

Work Environment

This role is based in an industrial facility where work regularly alternates between the outdoor yard and the main indoor facility. The environment includes frequent exposure to moving machinery and mechanical parts, and the noise level is typically loud. Employees work around industrial equipment and metal materials and are expected to follow all safety rules and wear appropriate protective gear as required. The setting is hands-on and physically active, with tasks performed on the production floor and in the yard throughout the shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tacoma, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.79 - $27.15/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 Tacoma, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.