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Weyerhaeuser
Facility Forklift Operator
Career Insights for Forklift / Pallet Jack Operator
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Based on Washington data
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What they do
A Forklift or Pallet Jack Operator operates forklift machinery used to lift heavy loads or pallets at a construction site, warehouse or factory.
$50,460 / year median in Washington
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Description Weyerhaeuser's Raymond Lumber Mill is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Facility Forklift Operator to support material flow and production needs across the site, including the planer, sawmill, shipping, and kilns. This position plays a key role in safely moving lumber, supplies, and materials to support daily operations, production efficiency, customer commitments, and overall mill performance. The hourly starting wage is $28.74. The successful candidate must have prior forklift operating experience. Current forklift certification is preferred. Candidates must be able to demonstrate safe operating practices, strong situational awareness, effective communication, and a willingness to support multiple departments as operational needs change. Key Functions Safely operate forklifts and related mobile equipment to move lumber packs, bunks, sticks, dunnage, supplies, and other materials throughout the facility. Support planer operations by supplying packs to the infeed, removing finished or staged packs, assisting with product movement, and maintaining orderly material flow. Support sawmill operations by removing packs from outfeed areas, assisting with stick and bunk management, moving reject or reclaim material, and placing green lumber in the appropriate storage locations. Support kiln operations by selecting, loading, unloading, staging, and organizing green and dry lumber packs according to production needs, dimensions, charge information, and drying schedules. Support shipping operations by staging finished product, assisting with yard organization, preparing loads, supporting truck or rail loading needs, and helping maintain inventory accuracy. Conduct required pre-use inspections, walk-arounds, and basic operator checks before operating equipment; report equipment concerns, safety issues, or maintenance needs promptly. Operate equipment at safe speeds and within site expectations, including safe load handling, proper stacking practices, awareness of pedestrians, and compliance with traffic management rules. Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas by removing debris, broken boards, dropped sticks, strapping, and other hazards as needed. Communicate clearly with supervisors, team members, shipping personnel, kiln personnel, maintenance, and other forklift operators to coordinate safe and efficient work. Demonstrate flexibility and flow-to-work by supporting different areas of the mill based on production priorities, staffing needs, downtime, or other operational requirements. Follow all company policies, site procedures, safety standards, environmental expectations, lockout requirements, and job safety analyses applicable to forklift and mobile equipment operation. Qualifications Must have a High School diploma or GED. Previous forklift operating experience is required. Ability to safely operate forklifts in active mill environments, including high-traffic areas, production areas, yards, storage areas, and loading areas. Strong commitment to safety, including the ability to recognize hazards, stop work when needed, and communicate concerns appropriately. Ability to complete equipment inspections, follow standard operating procedures, and maintain accurate required documentation. Ability to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining focus in a fast-paced production environment. Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, maintenance, and other departments. Willingness and ability to support multiple departments, shifts, schedules, and assignments as business needs require. Reliable attendance and punctuality are required. Must meet all company requirements for safely operating mobile equipment. Preferred Qualifications Forklift certification or documented powered industrial truck training. Experience operating forklifts in a lumber mill, manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, or industrial environment. Experience moving lumber packs, loading or unloading kilns, staging finished product, supporting truck or rail loading, or working in wood products operations. Knowledge of lumber dimensions, pack identification, storage practices, inventory flow, or production support responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to work safely around pedestrians, mobile equipment, production equipment, and changing mill conditions. Physical and Work Environment Requirements Ability to work in a lumber mill environment with exposure to noise, dust, weather conditions, mobile equipment, and active production areas. Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, bend, reach, and safely enter and exit mobile equipment using proper three-point contact. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility apparel where required. Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, or schedule changes as needed to support mill operations. This position is designated by WY as a safety-sensitive position. Please be advised that due to the designation of this position as safety-sensitive, you will be subject to pre-employment testing for cannabis and its metabolites.