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=⟨=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