Forklift Operator - Manufacturing

SUMMARY: Supports manufacturing by safely operating forklifts to move in-process product, component racks, raw materials, finished/rejected materials, and other production supplies. The role requires demonstrated forklift competency, strong situational awareness, and consistent compliance with plant traffic and material-handling rules.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely operate assigned forklifts/powered industrial trucks in accordance with training, plant rules, and OSHA/company requirements.
• Perform required pre-use inspection and report equipment defects or unsafe conditions before operation.
• Support production by moving and staging in-process unibodies, assembled pallets, raw materials, rejected materials, and other supplies.
• Move component/rod racks to and from production cells and designated replenishment/staging areas.
• Maintain production flow by responding to material movement requests and positioning materials in designated locations.
• Load, unload, stack, stage, and transport materials without damaging product, racks, equipment, or facility infrastructure.
• Follow pedestrian-right-of-way rules, speed limits, aisle controls, horn/intersection requirements, and designated traffic patterns.
• Maintain accurate material identification/traceability and complete movement or inventory documentation/scanning as required.
• Maintain housekeeping in staging and travel areas and immediately report spills, obstructions, damaged racks, or other hazards.
• Perform other related material-handling duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Prior forklift experience preferred; must successfully complete company-approved powered industrial truck evaluation/certification before independent operation.
• Demonstrated ability to safely maneuver loads in an active manufacturing environment.
• Ability to understand load stability, capacity limitations, safe stacking, pedestrian awareness, and dock/aisle hazards.
• Ability to follow written/verbal instructions and identify materials, locations, and production priorities.
• Basic scanner/computer skills preferred for material movement and traceability transactions.
• Dependable attendance and ability to coordinate effectively with production and warehouse personnel.

CORE EXPECTATIONS:

• Safety-first behavior and compliance with all plant policies, PPE requirements, and authorized work practices.
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, dependability, teamwork, and respectful workplace conduct.
• Ability to learn and follow standard work, respond to supervisor direction, and report unsafe, abnormal, or nonconforming conditions promptly.
• Maintain work area organization and housekeeping/5S standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent sitting while operating a forklift with repeated head/neck turning, hand/foot control use, and mounting/dismounting equipment.
• Regular walking and occasional manual material handling within established job limits.
• Ability to maintain visual awareness, depth perception, and safe control around pedestrians, racks, machines, and other vehicles.
• Required use of plant PPE and seat belt/restraint systems where equipped.