Heavy-Duty Lift Operator (Production Support)

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