Forklift Driver

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of powered industrial trucks to move, load, unload, stage, and store materials and finished cabinet products throughout the manufacturing facility. This position supports production and warehouse operations by ensuring materials are available when needed and finished products are safely moved to designated storage and shipping areas.

The Forklift Operator must follow all company safety procedures, OSHA requirements, and established forklift operating practices while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment to transport materials throughout the facility.
• Load, unload, move, and stage cabinet components, raw materials, finished cabinets, pallets, and other production supplies.
• Deliver materials to designated production areas according to production needs.
• Move completed cabinets and products from production areas to staging, warehouse, or shipping locations.
• Load and unload trucks and trailers while following proper loading and unloading procedures.
• Verify materials and products are placed in the correct locations.
• Inspect pallets, loads, and forklift equipment before operation.
• Complete required daily forklift inspections and report any damage, defects, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Safely handle oversized, heavy, or awkward loads while maintaining proper load stability.
• Maintain safe operating speeds and follow designated traffic patterns throughout the facility.
• Maintain appropriate clearance from employees, equipment, racks, walls, and other obstacles.
• Use horns, signals, and other required safety procedures when operating in areas with limited visibility.
• Keep aisles, staging areas, and work areas clear of unnecessary materials and debris.
• Assist with inventory movement and organization as needed.
• Communicate with production, warehouse, shipping, and supervision regarding material needs or shortages.
• Follow all company policies, safety rules, PPE requirements, and forklift operating procedures.
• Immediately report accidents, near misses, property damage, equipment problems, or unsafe working conditions to supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts in a safe and responsible manner at all times.
• Maintain a safe distance from pedestrians and other powered industrial trucks.
• Never carry passengers unless the equipment is specifically designed for that purpose.
• Never exceed the rated capacity of the forklift.
• Secure and properly position loads before moving them.
• Follow facility pedestrian walkways, stop signs, speed limits, and other traffic controls.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Never operate a forklift while impaired, fatigued, or otherwise unable to safely perform the job.
• Participate in required forklift training and refresher training.
• Report unsafe forklift operation by other employees to supervision.

Qualifications

• Previous forklift experience preferred.
• Manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or cabinet industry experience preferred.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and follow basic work instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to safely lift, push, pull, and maneuver materials as required by the position.
• Ability to work around machinery, moving equipment, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Must be willing and able to follow all company safety requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and climb as required.
• Ability to frequently use hands and arms to operate forklift controls.
• Ability to inspect and secure loads.
• Ability to lift or move materials within the requirements of the position.
• Ability to work on concrete floors for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect loads, equipment, and work areas for safety concerns.

Working Environment

The position is primarily located in a cabinet manufacturing and warehouse environment. Employees may be exposed to moving equipment, forklifts, production machinery, wood dust, noise, and varying temperatures. Appropriate PPE and safety procedures are required.