Operator II, Equipment - Operations

About the role

The heavy forklift operator position operates a 30K forklift machine for all operations. Required to be proficient in the safe handling and transfer of general cargo; 20’ pipe, 20’ rebar and other steel products and containers in the terminal, vessels, on and off trailers, in and out of vans, railcars and containers.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates competency operating <=30K forklift with at least 6 months experience that includes: Safe and efficient handling of boxes, crates, pallets, skids, super sacks, trays, rebar, and smaller length pipe (loose or bundled).
• Operating with diverse attachments to handle different commodities.
• Operating machine in the terminal and/or on the dock.
• Proper mounting/dismounting of machine while maintaining three points of contact.
• Proper startup and shutdown of forklift (seatbelt, neutral when starting/stopping, lowers forklift blades to ground and sets brake when parking).
• Proper use of controls (clutch, inching, tilt, lift, attachments, steering).
• Proper stacking of load (approaches load squarely, stacks straight and squarely, and to safe height, deposits load safely, does not move until forks are level and lowered).
• Proper loading /unloading a trailer or van/railcar/container/other (checks the dock plate, condition of the floor/deck, trailer chocks, jack stands, and brakes if applicable, and maneuvers safely in tight quarters).
• Ensures truck drive is outside of cab and visible to operator before loading or unloading.
• Checks equipment in accordance to forklift checklist procedures to ensure it is properly maintained and is safe to operate.
• Communicates any issues with machine to supervisor or maintenance.
• Follows proper procedures for an “unattended” machine.
• Ensures machine is operated within safe working load limits at all times.
• Follows all company safety requirements/policies.
• Understands and complies with Company “Stop Work Authority” policy.
• Maintains awareness of all surroundings (i.e. vehicles, people, traffic, debris or obstructions, etc.) at all times.
• Reviews all shipments upon arrival and inform supervisor immediately of any damages to cargo.
• Ensures that cargo is loaded in appropriate container and/or trailer for shipment.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned which may or may not include operating a forklift.

Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of previous experience operating materials handling heavy equipment.
• A valid license with acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with Supervisors and co‑workers.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, extended hours, nights, holidays, and/or weekends as needed.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and strong initiative.
• An active TWIC Card.