Forklift Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

401(k) company match

80 hours of vacation

Company-paid life insurance

Short-term disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking Fork Truck Operator(s) to join our Shipping Team at our Devens and Lunenburg corrugated facilities. You will operate industrial forklifts to safely load, unload, move, and stage materials throughout the warehouse and shipping areas.

Join a high-volume operation with a focus on safety, accuracy, and timely delivery. Overtime is common; rain or shine, you will support loading ~50 trailers daily and ensure proper inventory processing using RF scanners.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver\'s license is required.
• Basic math, including decimals, fractions, and ratios, is required.
• Ability to read a tape measure.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and alternate shifts as needed.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background screening and drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts to load, unload, move, and stage materials throughout the warehouse and shipping areas.
• Conduct daily forklift inspections and complete safety checklists before operating equipment.
• Safely transport raw materials, finished goods, and inventory throughout the facility.
• Load and unload trailers according to customer requirements and department standards.
• Use RF scanners to process receipts, returns, shipments, and inventory transactions.
• Verify counts, quantities, quality, and product descriptions for incoming and outgoing materials.
• Supply production lines with materials as needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.
• Perform cycle counts and inventory checks.

Skills

Basic math

Tape measure reading

Safety-conscious

Attendance reliability

Overtime availability

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

RF scanners

Forklift equipment

Warehouse management systems

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Opportunity Summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking Fork Truck Operator(s) to join our Shipping Team at our Devens and Lunenburg corrugated facilities. In this role, you will operate industrial forklifts to safely load, unload, move, and stage materials throughout the warehouse and shipping areas. You will play a key role in ensuring products are delivered accurately, efficiently, and safely to our customers.

As part of our high-volume manufacturing operation, you will join a team that loads approximately 50 trailers per day. Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment for every employee.

Why Join Smurfit Westrock?

• Medical and dental coverage available immediately upon hire
• Generous 401(k) company match
• 80 hours of vacation to start
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career growth and advancement opportunities

Schedule & Work Environment

• Devens and Lunenburg are non-union facilities
• Overtime is paid at 1.5 times your regular pay rate for hours worked over 40 per week
• Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with frequent Saturday overtime
• Additional overtime may be required based on business needs

Shift Hours

• 2nd Shift: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• 3rd Shift: 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM

Please note: Our manufacturing plant and warehouse are not climate controlled.

What You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Conduct daily forklift inspections and complete required safety checklists before operating equipment
• Safely transport raw materials, finished goods, and inventory throughout the facility
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area
• Ensure all materials are handled and stored in a manner that prevents damage
• Load and unload trailers according to customer requirements and department standards
• Use RF scanners to process receipts, returns, shipments, and inventory transactions
• Verify counts, quantities, quality, and product descriptions for incoming and outgoing materials
• Supply production lines with materials as needed
• Properly palletize, band, and/or shrink-wrap finished products
• Complete shipping, receiving, and inventory documentation accurately and on time
• Maintain cleanliness of warehouse and loading dock areas
• Perform cycle counts and inventory checks
• Safely change propane tanks and/or batteries on forklift equipment
• Support other departments and perform additional duties as assigned

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Basic math skills, including working with decimals, fractions, and ratios
• Ability to read a tape measure
• Strong commitment to workplace safety
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and alternate shifts as needed
• Ability to pass pre-employment background screening and drug testing

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous sit-down forklift experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or warehouse environment
• Current forklift certification (within the past 12 months) preferred; training and certification will be provided for qualified candidates
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and troubleshoot equipment issues
• Experience using RF scanners and warehouse management systems
• Ability to learn proprietary corrugated manufacturing software systems

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and operate forklift equipment for extended periods
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, and climb stairs throughout the shift
• Ability to safely operate equipment in reverse when required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing and warehouse environment

What We Offer

• A culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and teamwork
• Comprehensive onboarding, training, and development opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunities for career growth within a global leader in sustainable packaging
• A workplace where safety, sustainability, inclusion, and continuous improvement are fundamental to our success

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.