EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

About the role

Operate a powered industrial truck to load and unload lumber materials, necessitating the skillful maneuvering of wide and complex loads through storage areas, machines, loading zones, and rail cars. Work environment: industrial manufacturing setting with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment, bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid). This safety‑sensitive position requires compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, including log yard and lumber yard areas. Physical demands: sit inside the forklift or walk for extended periods (8‑12‑hour shifts); climb and descend steps, stairways, or ladders several times per shift; lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. regularly and use hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Handle material with a forklift to stack units of dimensional lumber and plywood safely in correct storage bays.
• Load and unload materials from trucks and railcars with a forklift.
• Locate and move stock of products to maintain accurate inventory.
• Identify product damages and monitor quality of materials.
• Work in other departments such as splitting, stacking, tagging, etc. as needed.
• Perform lockout procedures as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures and policies, work together with co‑workers to ensure a safe working environment and report all accidents or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Maintain a safe workplace and culture, and complete required safety forms, checklists and permits.
• Sweep floors, pick up broken pieces of lumber, straps and shovel debris.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Language skills to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write and update routine reports, basic correspondence and follow production specifications.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial equipment.
• Proven reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally to customers or employees of an organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior manufacturing experience is preferred.
• OSHA safety certification or forklift certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Skills

Mechanical aptitude, hand‑eye coordination, manual dexterity, ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced production environment, team‑oriented with strong communication skills, commitment to safety and safe work practices.

Schedule

Shift work may include nights, weekends, overtime, and extended hours during peak production.