Industrial Forklift Operator

JGM is looking for an experienced Industrial Forklift Operator to join our team at our heavy industrial steel fabrication plant. This is an outdoor position — you'll be operating equipment in our fabrication yard, not an indoor warehouse.

Responsibilities

• Operate Heavy-Capacity Forklifts Outdoors – Safely load, unload, and transport structural steel, stock, and materials throughout our outdoor yard.
• Material Handling & Organization – Sort, stage, and organize cargo and materials so the next stage of production never misses a beat.
• Precision Placement – Position and stack heavy or oversized loads accurately, including in tight or high-traffic areas.
• Support Production Flow – Move materials between storage, staging, and production zones so the line never has to wait on you.
• Load & Unload Trucks – Safely load outgoing shipments and unload incoming deliveries, verifying materials against paperwork.
• Tag & Track – Label and mark materials clearly so everything is easy to identify and trace.
• Pre- and Post-Shift Inspections – Check your equipment before and after use, reporting any mechanical issues right away.
• Follow the Plan – Execute work orders and verbal instructions accurately and on schedule.
• Keep an Eye Out – Watch for load shifts, hazards, and other equipment/personnel in the area at all times.

Requirements

• 2+ years of forklift experience required, ideally with heavier-capacity equipment (10,000+ lb capacity) and experience moving oversized or awkward loads such as structural steel
• Comfortable working outdoors, in all weather conditions, in an active heavy industrial yard
• Strong safety mindset — you use the right gear and follow protocol, every time
• Willingness to complete OSHA 10 training upon hire (or current certification a plus)
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work well as part of a team

Benefits

• Medical, Vision & Dental Coverage
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Training and Continuing Education Support
• Free Lunch Every Other Friday
• Daily Vending Machine Card
• Steady, Full-Time, Year-Round Work with Overtime
• Opportunities to Build Your Skills and Grow Within the Company
• Company-Provided Personal Protective Equipment

Schedule

Full-time, first shift, Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with optional Saturday shifts based on workload.

The Work Environment

This role is based entirely outdoors in our fabrication yard at a heavy industrial steel plant — this is not an indoor warehouse position. You'll be operating equipment in all weather conditions, working around heavy materials and industrial machinery. We provide the PPE — gloves, hardhats, protective suits, and respiratory protection as needed — and we expect everyone on our team to look out for their own safety and the safety of the people working alongside them.

Important: This is a safety-sensitive position. In accordance with JGM's safety policy and applicable regulations, individuals actively using medical marijuana are not eligible for this role. All candidates must pass a drug screening, including testing for marijuana, prior to starting employment.