Forklift Operator/Maintenance Assistant

Western Forest Products; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Forklift Operator/Maintenance Assistant to join their team at the Saanich Forestry Centre. This role involves operating motorized equipment and performing maintenance tasks to support nursery operations. Ideal candidates will have a strong safety record, experience in forklift operation, and a commitment to teamwork. The position offers a competitive hourly wage and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment dedicated to sustainable forestry practices. If you are mechanically inclined and enjoy hands-on work, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in forklift operation and maintenance.
• Valid forklift operator’s ticket with hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other equipment to support nursery operations.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.

Skills

Forklift Operation

General Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Safety Practices

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Forklift

Chainsaw

Backhoe

Welding Torch

Job description

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Western Forest Products provided pay range

This range is provided by Western Forest Products. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

CA$23.00/hr - CA$25.00/hr

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an opening for a Forklift Operator/Maintenance Assistant to join our Saanich Forestry Centre in Saanichton, BC.

Length of contract: 12 months with possible extension.

Shifts: 7:30am - 4:30pm (Monday-Friday).

Starting wage range: $23.00 - $25.00 based on skill level, qualifications and experience, with potential for performance-based wage increases.

What You’ll Do: The successful candidate will operate in this key role during critical operations in the Nursery as a forklift operator. In addition, the successful candidate will work with our Maintenance department, to support the Nursery and Orchard throughout the production cycles with corrective and preventative maintenance activities.

Work Environment: This position is to be performed in person at the Saanich Forestry Centre.

Responsibilities

• Operate motorized equipment such as forklifts, manlifts/girettes, gators, and tractors to support the nursery and seed orchard operations;
• Perform routine building maintenance and minor repairs, including basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry work;
• Conduct minor repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment and facility systems to support daily operations;
• Maintain irrigation systems, including nursery booms, and seed orchard irrigation systems;
• Carry out general site maintenance as required;
• Trim, cut, and brush trees, including burning by using a variety of tools such as backhoes, chainsaws, brush saws and pruning saws;
• Apply basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems to troubleshoot and resolve issues; and
• Identify opportunities for improving safety and productivity.
  
  

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of combined experience in forklift operation and general maintenance;
• Valid forklift operator’s ticket, with a minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience;
• Excellent safety record with a demonstrated commitment to safe work practices;
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and with minimal supervision;
• Mechanically inclined and experienced in using a wide variety of tools, including hammers, wrenches, welding torches and more;
• Physically fit and capable of lifting heavy objects, as well as manipulating objects with tools and physical strength;
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to follow a problem to the source and solve the issue;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to support supervisors by leading seasonal employees when needed.
  
  

Assets (Preferred Qualifications):

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
• High school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent;
• Certification and/or experience operating other mobile equipment such as manlift;
• First Aid and WHMIS training
• Experience working on farming or nursery equipment; and
• Previous greenhouse/orchard experience.
  
  

About Saanich Forestry Centre

The Saanich Forestry Centre operation, established in 1964, is the start of everything Western does. The facility on East Saanich Road features seed orchards and a forest-seedling nursery; it produces on average 15 million seeds and 4 million seedlings annually. The seeds are used to grow Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, yellow cypress and Sitka spruce. The seedlings are used in Western’s operations around the coast.

Western Overview

Western Forest Products is a leading forest products company that manufactures high-quality wood products and sustainably manages forests. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with operations in the coastal region of B.C. and Washington State, Western meets the needs of customers worldwide with a specialty wood products focus and diverse product offering. Our large investment in manufacturing and progressive approach to safe and sustainable forestry practices ensures the health and prosperity of our business, forests and communities for generations to come.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Paper & Forest Products

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