Fork Lift Operator

About the role

Forklift Operators support Insulfoam departments with the movement of materials and products, including warehouse organizing, finished goods inspection, taking product off the production line, storing it in designated warehouse locations, and loading/unloading customer trucks. Operators also fill in for other plant roles (e.g., Machine Operator) as business needs dictate.

Standard work week is 40 hours with occasional overtime; no travel required.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-shift forklift inspections.
• Record preventative maintenance activities, quality inspection data, equipment downtime, production output, and other key metrics; perform mathematical calculations as needed.
• Safely operate a propane sit-down forklift to move raw materials or finished products throughout the manufacturing floor, keeping production lines clear and materials properly stored.
• Visually inspect material for quality defects; segregate defective product and notify supervisor.
• Fill dumpsters from production floor and maintain housekeeping inside and outside the plant.
• Work as a team with production and shipping teams to follow facility Standard Works/processes and improve operations.
• Support the recycling area and keep it organized.
• Fill in on other areas of the plant (e.g., Machine Operator) as required.
• Assist Forklift Operator II as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Prior experience operating a propane sit-down forklift or other powered industrial trucks.
• Demonstrated safe working practices and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to follow company policies, procedures, and processes.
• Good communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Basic computer, mathematics, and problem-solving skills; ability to use a calculator.
• Ability to use measuring devices (gauges, tapes, rulers).
• Team player able to follow instructions from management and peers.
• Ability to learn and operate new equipment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing setting preferred.

Working Conditions

Fast-paced manufacturing environment with exposure to ambient/outside temperatures, dust, mechanical parts, pinch points, and increased noise levels. Shift hours vary (8–10 hours/shift) based on schedule and business volume, with flexibility for overtime and weekend work as required.

• Tools & Equipment: Radio, calculator, measuring devices, hand tools, computer (Shop Floor and ERP).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye and hearing protection required at all times on the production floor; safety toe shoes (steel/composite); hi-vis vests; other PPE as defined by management.

This is a fully onsite position requiring physical presence at the designated work location during scheduled hours.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Lifting or Carrying:
  • 1–10 lbs: Frequently (31–60%)
  • 11–20 lbs: Frequently (31–60%)
  • 21–40 lbs: Frequently (31–60%)
  • 41–50 lbs: Frequently (31–60%)
• Pushing or Pulling:
  • 1–40 lbs: Occasionally (0–30%)
  • 41–50 lbs: Occasionally (0–30%)
• Other Physical Demands:
  • Bending or Stooping: Occasionally (0–30%)
  • Reaching Above Shoulder Level: Occasionally (0–30%)
  • Walking: Frequently (31–60%)
  • Standing: Frequently (31–60%)
  • Sitting: Frequently (31–60%)
  • Repetitive Motion (wrists, hands, fingers): Continuously (61–100%)
  • Vision: Continuously (61–100%)
  • Hearing: Continuously (61–100%)
  • Dexterity: Continuously (61–100%)
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Continuously (61–100%)