Training and Safety Specialist

Family-owned and operated since 1981, Shoppa’s Material Handling is one of the fastest-growing and most successful material handling dealerships in the United States. As an authorized dealer of Toyota Material Handling—the world’s best-selling forklift brand and a recognized leader in quality, durability, safety, and innovation—we proudly serve customers through nine locations across Texas and Kansas City, Missouri. We offer a comprehensive range of products, services, and integrated systems that help customers improve the storage and movement of their goods.

About the role

The primary function of the “Target Zero” Training and Safety Specialist is to develop, coordinate, and facilitate OSHA-compliant operator training programs for powered industrial trucks (PIT), Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), and other material handling equipment for both Shoppa's employees and customers. This position represents Shoppa's Material Handling through professionalism, technical expertise, exceptional communication, and a commitment to safety while promoting safe and practical equipment operation and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver OSHA-compliant operator training for powered industrial trucks in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178.
• Deliver operator training for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in accordance with applicable ANSI A92 standards.
• Conduct classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, hands-on evaluations, and operator performance assessments.
• Evaluate operator competency and authorize operator certifications upon successful completion of required training.
• Conduct and maintain refresher training and re-evaluations following incidents, observed unsafe operation, equipment changes, or as required by company policy.
• Conduct train-the-trainer courses for internal and external customers.
• Maintain operator training records, certifications, attendance logs, and documentation within the company's Learning Management System (LMS).
• Coordinate training schedules with branch leadership, service departments, customers, and safety personnel.
• Assist with the development, revision, and continuous improvement of training materials, presentations, practical exercises, and operator evaluations.
• Travel to company branches and customer facilities to conduct operator training and evaluations.
• Promote safe operating practices and reinforce Shoppa's Target Zero safety culture.
• Assist customers in understanding OSHA operator training requirements and best practices for powered industrial truck and MEWP safety.
• Support Safety, Sales, Service, and Operations departments with equipment familiarization and operational guidance.
• Maintain training equipment, demonstration materials, and training aids in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Stay current on OSHA regulations, ANSI standards, manufacturer recommendations, and industry best practices.
• Attend manufacturer, Toyota Material Handling, and other professional development courses to maintain instructor qualifications and excel in promoting “Target Zero”.
• Assist the Health, Safety & Environmental department with safety meetings, audits, incident investigations, and other safety initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating powered industrial trucks (forklifts, order pickers, reach trucks, pallet jacks, etc.) in a warehouse, manufacturing, or material handling environment.
• Certified as a forklift operator trainer through a recognized program (e.g., Toyota, OSHA Outreach, Ives, Liftow, etc.).
• Certified to train Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in accordance with ANSI A92 standards (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (Powered Industrial Trucks) and ANSI A92 standards (MEWPs).
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time to company branches and customer locations.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and ability to promote a positive safety culture.