Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

Prineville, OR

We are seeking a safety-conscious and dependable Commercial Forklift Operator to join our Transport & Logistics team in Prineville, OR. In this role, you will champion a safety-first mindset while efficiently loading, unloading, and moving raw materials (lumber) and finished building components (trusses) on and off tractor-trailers and to designated yard staging locations. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong spatial awareness in tight staging areas, operates heavy commercial forklifts with precision, and accurately maintains electronic inventory records to support shipping & receiving.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Forklift Operations: Safely operate heavy commercial forklifts to load, unload, stack, and transport lumber units, trusses, and raw materials. Transport Coordination: Partner with fleet leadership and truck drivers on inbound/outbound schedules, staging, loading, and offloading. Safety & Inspections: Conduct pre-shift safety inspections, maintain equipment logs, and promote strict adherence to OSHA and plant safety standards. Quality Assurance: Inspect inbound and outbound finished goods against required lumber grade and product quality standards. Digital Inventory Tracking: Accurately record product movement, staging locations, and unit counts using handheld electronic inventory scanners. Team Collaboration: Work closely with production/yard crews and assist in cross-training team members as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Experience: Proven commercial forklift operation experience in an industrial, manufacturing, lumber, or distribution environment. Certification: Active commercial forklift operator certification (or ability to recertify upon hire). Technical Literacy: Intermediate skill operating handheld inventory electronics and basic familiarity with Microsoft Office applications. Communication: Clear verbal and written English communication skills to collaborate effectively with yard crews and fleet leadership. Work Ethic: Dependable attendance, strong spatial awareness, high safety orientation, and commitment to maintaining a clean work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Capacity: Consistently lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally lift up to 80 lbs. Outdoor Work: Approximately 90% of work is performed outdoors in an active industrial yard, subject to weather variations, dust, and noise. Mobility: Frequent mounting and dismounting of forklift equipment (including stepping up/down) throughout the shift.