Job Summary:
Associated Hardwoods, Inc. is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy-Duty Lift Operator to support production operations by transporting, staging, and organizing raw lumber and stacked materials throughout the production floor. This role is critical in maintaining a steady workflow by ensuring materials are delivered accurately and efficiently to keep production lines running without interruption.
The ideal candidate has prior forklift experience in a manufacturing or lumber environment, strong spatial awareness, and a consistent focus on safety, efficiency, and teamwork.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Material Handling & Production Support:
- Operate a forklift to transport raw lumber, stacked bundles, and materials to designated production areas.
- Load, unload, and stage lumber to support continuous production flow.
- Supply materials to production equipment in a timely and efficient manner.
- Assist in sorting and organizing lumber by size, grade, and product type.
- Remove waste materials, debris, and excess lumber from production areas.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
- Perform daily pre-shift forklift inspections to ensure safe operation.
- Operate forklift safely in confined production areas with high traffic.
- Report mechanical issues or maintenance needs promptly.
- Maintain cleanliness and basic upkeep of assigned equipment.
Safety & Compliance:
- Follow all OSHA regulations and company safety policies at all times.
- Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) consistently.
- Ensure all loads are properly secured, balanced, and transported safely.
- Maintain awareness of pedestrian traffic, machinery, and moving equipment.
- Follow all established traffic patterns and operational safety rules within the facility.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Work closely with stacker operators, graders, and production personnel to maintain workflow efficiency.
- Communicate material needs, shortages, or delays to supervisors.
- Support training of new forklift operators as needed.
- Adapt quickly to changing production demands.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 1 year of forklift operation experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or lumber environment preferred.
- Valid forklift certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Strong attention to safety, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Ability to follow instructions and work in a fast-paced production environment.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to operate forklift for extended periods during shift.
- Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 pounds as needed.
- Frequent standing, walking, climbing in and out of equipment, and operating controls.
- Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching while handling materials.
- Exposure to wood dust, noise, vibration, and varying indoor/outdoor temperatures depending on work area.
Work Environment:
Fast-paced lumber manufacturing environment with heavy machinery, forklifts, conveyors, and continuous production activity. This role requires strong situational awareness, consistent communication, and strict adherence to all safety procedures.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly wages commensurate with experience within industry average
- Biweekly bonus opportunities
- Company-paid health insurance
- Company-paid short-term disability
- Dental and vision insurance options
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- 401(k) with company match
Typical Schedule:
- Monday – Thursday: 6:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Schedule may adjust based on business needs.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online:
https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/A1SAHI.careers?CareersSearch=&lang=en-US
Associated Hardwoods, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
