Job Description

Summary

Willbanks Metals is hiring an experienced 30-ton forklift operator to safely move heavy steel products—including plate, coil, beam, tube, and fabricated parts—across our yard, warehouse, and loading areas. This role is critical to on-time shipping, accurate staging, and safe material flow in a high-volume steel environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a high-capacity (30-ton / 60,000 lb) forklift to move long, wide, and irregular steel loads in production, storage, and loading zones.
• Load/unload trucks and railcars; stage outbound loads and replenish production cells according to work orders.
• Perform pre-shift inspections (brakes, steering, hydraulic/lift mechanisms, tires, alarms, forks/attachments) and document findings.
• Rig and secure materials using chains, straps, blocking, and approved methods; verify weight distribution and center of gravity before travel.
• Read/interpret work orders, tickets, and manifests; use RF scanners or yard systems for inventory transactions and location accuracy.
• Coordinate movements with spotters and crane operators; maintain radio/hand-signal communication in high-traffic zones.
• Maintain housekeeping and lane discipline; keep aisles, racks, and laydown areas organized for safe travel and visibility.
• Report equipment damage, near-misses, and hazards immediately; contribute to root-cause and corrective actions.
• Comply with OSHA, company safety rules, and PPE requirements at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years operating heavy-capacity forklifts in steel, metals, or comparable heavy industrial settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in handling long, wide, and irregular loads (plate, coil, beam).
• Current forklift certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb in/out of equipment repeatedly, and work in indoor/outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, noise).
• Strong situational awareness, load-securement knowledge, and commitment to pace yourself safely under time pressure.
• Basic computer/RF scanning skills and the ability to read measurements and yard maps.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with coils (C-hooks, coil rams) and oversized plate/beam handling.
• Familiarity with overhead cranes, side-loaders, and rigging.
• Experience using a yard management or inventory system for material movements.
• Understanding of DOT securement principles for staging outbound loads (not a driving role).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting/standing, climbing on/off equipment, and turning head/torso for visibility.
• Exposure to moving equipment, truck traffic, and variable weather; strict adherence to speed limits, horn use, and pedestrian right-of-way.
• Regular use of PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, high-visibility apparel).

Schedule & Compensation

Full-time.

Competitive pay with OT eligibility.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO.

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