Heavy Forklift Operator

Heavy Forklift Operator - Shop Loader
Houston, TX 77012
Pay: $18.00
Temporary to Hire

Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Shop Loader to support material handling operations within a busy fabrication shop. This role is responsible for safely loading, unloading, and moving large steel components, including raw materials and fabricated assemblies, while ensuring efficient workflow between production areas and shipping.
Key Responsibilities:

• Safely load and unload large steel materials, including plate, and fabricated assemblies, using forklifts, overhead cranes
• Transport materials between workstations to support production flow
• Stage materials for fabrication crews based on work orders and production schedules
• Stage and Secure outbound loads to ensure safe transportation and prevent damage
• Verify incoming and outgoing materials against work orders, purchase orders, and shipping documents
• Assist welders and fitters with positioning and flipping heavy components as needed
• Maintain clean, organized staging and loading areas
• Follow all safety protocols, and PPE usage
• Must be able to accurately read and interpret a tape measure

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a steel fabrication or oil & gas manufacturing shop required
• Demonstrated experience handling large, heavy steel materials and fabricated parts
• Proficiency operating forklifts and overhead cranes
• Working knowledge of load balancing, and safe lifting practices
• Ability to read work orders, shop drawings, purchase orders and material specifications
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with production personnel

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely guide and assist in moving heavy materials (50+ lbs with equipment assistance)
• Capable of standing, walking, bending, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled shop environment

Work Environment:
This position operates in a fabrication shop with exposure to welding, cutting, grinding, and heavy equipment. The role requires adherence to strict safety standards in an active industrial setting.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting weld/fab teams in a production environment
• Familiarity with structural steel, skids, or pressure-related components
• Experience with barcode scanning and inventory management systems
• Ability to safely operate heavy forklifts (10ton forklift)