Title: Forklift Operator – Steel Division
Location: Norfolk, VA (in person)
Terms: Full-Time (Monday – Friday); Non-Exempt
Founded in 1916, E.T. Gresham Company is a trusted construction, crane & rigging, and steel fabrication firm based in Norfolk, Virginia. Serving clients across Southeastern Virginia and Northeast North Carolina, we specialize in delivering high-quality construction projects, safe and efficient heavy lifting solutions, and precision steel fabrication. With more than a century of experience, our team is committed to craftsmanship, safety, and building lasting relationships with our clients.
We have an immediate opening for an experienced Forklift Operator to join our team in Norfolk, VA. This hourly, full-time position will support the Steel Division.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Operate forklifts to receive, move, stage, and load structural steel materials throughout the facility and yard.
- Safely handle long, heavy, oversized, and off-balance loads, including structural beams, plate steel, angle iron, tubing, and fabricated assemblies.
- Load and unload flatbed trucks, ensuring materials are properly blocked, banded, and secured for safe transport.
- Keep the yard and shop floor organized, clear of hazards, and staged efficiently for active jobs. The yard and shop floor should be organized in a way that promotes safe and efficient workflows.
- Support fabrication and welding operations by staging and positioning materials throughout the production process.
- Follow all company safety protocols, including load capacity limits, designated travel paths, and required PPE at all times.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and immediately report any issues or concerns.
- Maintain constant situational awareness, particularly in areas with personnel, traffic, and tight clearances.
- Assist with general yard and shop duties as needed.
Attend company meetings and perform other related duties as assigned.
-
Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years of forklift operating experience, preferably in a steel fabrication, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment.
- Experience handling oversized, irregular, and awkward loads.
- Experience operating multiple types of forklifts, including a side-loading forklift, preferred.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced shop environment with overhead crane activity and tight spaces.
- Strong spatial awareness, situational judgement, and attention to safety.
- Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Must be able to pass pre-employment screening (background check and drug screening).
- Ability to work in an industrial, non-climate-controlled setting and perform physical activities that require the use of arms and legs such as climbing, lifting 50 pounds unassisted, balancing, bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, stooping, walking and handling materials throughout the day. Must be able to sit and/or be active for long periods of time.
E.T. Gresham is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we provide employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, military service, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are a drug-free workplace.
