Forklift Operator / Material Handler

Locations: Richmond, VA | Chesterfield, VA | Ashland, VA | McKenney, VA | Prince George, VA | Petersburg, VA | Colonial Heights, VA and surrounding areas
Pay: $16.00–$20.00 per hour, depending on experience and position
Schedule: 8-hour or 12-hour shifts | 5- or 6-day workweeks | Some positions require weekend work

Job Description

We are looking for experienced Forklift Operators and Material Handlers for a variety of warehouse, manufacturing, and distribution positions throughout Central Virginia. The equipment and daily responsibilities will depend on the assignment.

Some positions require experience on a specific type of forklift, while others may use several types of equipment. Candidates may operate sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, cherry pickers/order pickers, or clamp trucks. Equipment may be electric or propane-powered.

The right candidate should be dependable, safety-minded, and comfortable working in a busy warehouse or production environment.

Responsibilities

Depending on the position, duties may include:

• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment safely.
• Operate sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, cherry picker/order picker, or clamp truck equipment.
• Use electric or propane-powered forklifts as required.
• Load and unload trucks and trailers.
• Move, stage, and store pallets, materials, and finished products.
• Put materials away and retrieve products from warehouse racks.
• Pick and stage materials or orders for shipment.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, and inventory.
• Check products and pallets for damage before moving them.
• Complete equipment inspections before operating a forklift.
• Follow warehouse traffic patterns and safety procedures.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Help with general material handling and warehouse duties when needed.
• Work with supervisors and other employees to keep materials and products moving throughout the facility.

Schedule

Schedules will depend on the position and may include:

• 8-hour shifts
• 12-hour shifts
• 5-day workweeks
• 6-day workweeks
• First, second, or third shift
• Saturday and/or Sunday work for some positions

Specific hours and days will be discussed before placement. Candidates should be comfortable with the schedule required for the position.

Qualifications

• Previous forklift or material handling experience preferred.
• Experience operating one or more of the following:
  • Sit-down forklift
  • Stand-up forklift
  • Reach truck
  • Cherry picker/order picker
  • Clamp truck
  • Electric forklift
  • Propane forklift
• Warehouse, manufacturing, shipping and receiving, or inventory experience is a plus.
• Able to safely operate equipment and follow instructions.
• Reliable and dependable with good attendance.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work independently and with a team.
• Willing to perform general material handling duties when needed.
• Must follow all company safety requirements.
• Must be available to work weekends when required by the assignment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods depending on the equipment being operated.
• Ability to walk throughout the warehouse or production area.
• Ability to bend, reach, and stoop as needed.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials based on the position.
• Comfortable working around forklifts, pallets, machinery, and other warehouse equipment.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures and noise levels.

Pay & Opportunities

Pay ranges from $16.00–$20.00 per hour, depending on the position and experience.