What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Forklift Operator position at Binderholz?
🚧 About the Role
This is a physically demanding, high-responsibility position. Forklift Operators handle heavy lumber packs, moving materials between production areas, the yard, and loading trucks — often under tight time constraints. Beyond operating large-capacity forklifts, this role requires strong organizational skills to maintain an efficient and orderly yard. You’ll need to frequently get in and out of your machine and be able to lift and adjust heavy dunnage and lumber by hand.
This is not an entry-level position — we are seeking experienced operators with a safety-first mindset and strong situational awareness in busy industrial environments.
🕒 Shift Options
- Rotating 12-Hour Shifts:
- Day: 6:45 AM – 7:15 PM or
- Night: 6:45 PM – 7:15 AM
- Schedule: 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off (alternating weekly)
- Weekday Shifts:
- Day: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Night: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Mon–Fri)
🚜 What You'll Do
- Operate Kalmar DCG160-12 and DCG200-12 forklifts (or similar high-capacity equipment)
- Load and unload trucks with long, heavy timber bundles
- Transport lumber between kilns, storage areas, and production lines
- Navigate tight yard areas and maintain optimal material flow
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and document usage or issues
- Maintain yard organization to ensure efficient operations
- Assist with manual movement or arrangement of lumber and dunnage
- Follow all safety procedures and company protocols
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 5 years of experience operating heavy forklifts (16,000 lbs)
- Direct experience with Kalmar DCG160-12 / DCG200-12 forklifts or equivalent
- Background in timber yards, sawmills, shipping, or industrial logistics
- Strong attention to safety, efficiency, and yard organization
- Ability to read and follow verbal/written load plans and instructions
- Must be able to:
- Frequently enter/exit forklift
- Lift and maneuver heavy materials (up to 50 lbs)
- Work outdoors in variable weather
🎯 Preferred Qualities
- Mechanically inclined and proactive with equipment upkeep
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Adaptable to fast-changing priorities and deadlines
- Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated
⚠️ Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand/walk for long periods
- Frequent lifting, bending, and handling of heavy materials
- Regular outdoor work in heat, cold, wet, or humid environments
- Exposure to moving mechanical equipment
🔨 About Binderholz
Binderholz is Europe’s leading manufacturer of solid wood products and innovative mass timber construction solutions. Founded in Austria in 1957, our family-owned company is now expanding across North America, with production sites in Enfield, NC and Live Oak, FL, and a U.S. sales office in Atlanta, GA.
At Binderholz, we value precision, safety, sustainability, and a strong work ethic. We’re building something lasting — and we’re looking for professionals who take pride in what they do.
🔗 Learn more about us
🎁 What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay 💲
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance 🏥
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Life insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Overtime opportunities
- Career growth within an international company
🚀 Join Our Team
If you're a professional heavy forklift operator with experience on Kalmar DCG160-12 / DCG200-12 machines — and you want to work in a well-structured, high-output timber yard — we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Apply now and help us shape the future of timber construction.
Binderholz is an equal opportunity employer to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.