Forklift Operator (KCLS)

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to work directly in the Transloading group, handling the full range of duties involved in moving various customer products and commodities. You will provide backup coverage to other material handling and rail switching operations as needed, while developing and demonstrating safety culture, leadership, decision-making, and operational skills.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes, applying procedures using good judgment.
• Operate conveyors, forklifts, and cranes.
• Prepare equipment for product transfer.
• Transfer a variety of product materials to/from railcars and trucks using safe operating procedures.
• Observe radio and hand signals in the work area.
• Complete all applicable documentation, recordkeeping, and daily inventory.
• Perform physical tasks including bending, stooping, lifting up to 50 pounds, twisting, and climbing.
• Communicate effectively with team members, vendors, and customers 100% of the time.
• Participate in safety briefings, job briefings, and information sharing from team members, management, or customers.
• Climb onto and underneath railcars to inspect and seal them using a checklist.
• Work outside the majority of the time and withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Collaborate with a team, take direction, follow work rules, and adapt to additional responsibilities as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested or required.

Requirements

• High school education or general education development (GED).
• Ability to pass training and required testing.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Forklift operating experience required (at least 1 year).
• Rail car switching experience preferred.
• Prior rail car transloading experience preferred.
• Warehouse boxcar unloading experience preferred.

Skills

• Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Capability to perform duties requiring heavy lifting.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to recognize and address problems.

Work Environment

The role involves regular exposure to outside weather conditions, noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease. Duties are performed both outdoors and in a warehouse environment.

• Machines, tools, and equipment used: hammers, ratchets, chisels, pry bars, wrenches, brushes, forklifts, conveyors, and crane equipment.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required: hard hat, vest, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, and steel-toed boots.

Physical Demands

The physical demands include regularly lifting heavy materials and performing tasks that require climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, crawling, and operating foot and hand controls.