Driver Helper with Forklift Experience

Interstate Lumber; Bethel (CT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Interstate Lumber is seeking a Yard Person in Bethel, CT to load/unload trucks, move and store materials, and assist customers. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and efficient yard organization, with forklift experience and a willingness to operate chainsaws as needed.

The position is full-time, on-site, with competitive hourly pay and benefits typical for a lumber yard. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, 2+ years in a similar setting, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent completed.
• Minimum of 2 years in a lumber yard, distribution center, or warehouse.
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain within three months).
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in basic math and measurement calculations.
• Ability to operate a gasoline chainsaw safely.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload trucks, ensuring accuracy in materials received and dispatched.
• Move materials to and from storage areas, delivery vehicles, and freight containers using hand labor or forklifts.
• Assist customers and provide excellent service.
• Maintain an orderly, clean yard and proper material storage.
• Receive and process stock with inventory controls.
• Inspect and ensure order accuracy before departure with customers.
• Operate forklifts and power tools safely and maintain equipment.
• Prepare orders for pickup or delivery per schedule.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Mathematical calculations

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Chainsaw operation

Job description

Job Title: Yard PersonFLSA Status: Non-ExemptCategory: UnionReport to: Location ManagerSummary/ObjectiveThe Yard Person is responsible for handling, storing, and moving building materials while ensuring a safe and organized work environment. Duties include loading and unloading trucks, assisting customers, managing inventory, and operating forklifts. This role requires a strong focus on efficiency, customer service, and workplace safety.Essential Job FunctionsYard OperationsLoad and unload trucks, ensuring accuracy in materials received and dispatched.Move materials to and from storage areas, delivery vehicles, and freight containers using hand labor or forklifts.Maintain an orderly and clean yard, ensuring materials are stored and covered appropriately.Receive and process warehouse stock products while performing inventory controls.Check and inspect customer vehicles for order accuracy before departure.Report inventory shortages, waste, damage, and safety concerns to the appropriate personnel.Keep all machinery and tools clean and in good working order.Operate gasoline chainsaws and other standard equipment safely.Count and write-up orders accurately.Assist in maintaining a safe, efficient, and professional work environment.Prepare and complete orders for pickup or delivery per schedule.Inspect paid receipts and merchandise leaving the yard to ensure order accuracy.Accompany drivers for deliveries when necessary.Forklift & Equipment OperationsSafely operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment in the yard, warehouse, and delivery areas.Secure materials on delivery trucks using metal straps and other safety measures.Maintain proper certification and comply with all safety regulations.Safely operate power tools as needed, including circular saws and chain saws, to cut and prepare lumber or other materials.Customer ServiceAssist customers in locating and loading purchased materials.Provide excellent service by understanding and addressing customer needs.Maintain professional and courteous interactions with customers, coworkers, and management.Other DutiesUnderstand customer requirements and ensure order fulfillment accuracy.Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.Qualifications & CompetenciesEducation: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.Experience:Minimum of 2 years in a lumber yard, distribution center, or warehouse.Preferred: 5+ years in a similar environment with building materials knowledge.Skills & Certifications:Must be at least 18 years old.Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.Forklift certification (or ability to obtain within three months).Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.Proficiency in basic math and measurement calculations (including reading tape measurements).Ability to operate a gasoline chainsaw safely.Working Conditions & Physical DemandsExposure to fumes, airborne particles, moving forklifts, noise, vibration, and extreme weather conditions.Frequent lifting, carrying, standing, kneeling, walking, loading, and unloading.Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds unassisted, repetitively throughout the day.Position Type & Expected HoursFull-time position.Typical schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM or 7 AM - 4 PM, with occasional Saturday shifts (as needed per location).Travel: NoneSupervisory Responsibility: NoneCategory: Union Contract, full-time benefits