Forklift DriverPipe Yard Operator

AURORATE LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

AURORATE LLC is looking for an experienced Forklift Driver / Pipe Yard Operator in Houston, Texas. The role involves safely handling and transporting steel pipe while adhering to safety procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.

Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in operating forklifts and handling heavy materials. The position requires both indoor and outdoor work and a strong focus on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of forklift operating experience in manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts carrying oversized loads.
• Experience loading and unloading flatbed trailers.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to move steel pipe and tubing.
• Load trucks ensuring proper weight distribution.
• Maintain organized pipe yard storage locations.

Skills

Forklift operating experience

Material handling safety

Attention to safety and detail

Ability to read shipping documents

Job description

Position Summary

Aurorate LLC is seeking an experienced Forklift Driver / Pipe Yard Operator to safely handle, transport, load, unload, and organize steel pipe and related materials within our manufacturing facility and outdoor pipe yard. The ideal candidate has experience operating large-capacity forklifts in an industrial environment and understands safe material handling practices for long and heavy products.

This position requires working both indoors and outdoors while supporting production, shipping, receiving, and inventory operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to move steel pipe, tubing, and raw materials.
• Load flatbed delivery trucks while ensuring proper weight distribution and secure placement.
• Transport materials between the pipe yard, warehouse, and production areas.
• Stage materials according to production schedules and customer orders.
• Perform accurate receiving, stocking, and shipping activities.
• Verify material quantities, dimensions, and identification before movement.
• Maintain organized pipe yard storage locations using FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices when applicable.
• Assist with inventory counts and material reconciliation.
• Inspect forklifts before each shift and report any maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
• Secure loads using appropriate lifting techniques and attachments to prevent damage or injury.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Follow all OSHA regulations and company safety procedures.
• Assist production, warehouse, and logistics teams as needed.
• Work overtime and weekends when business demands require.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of forklift operating experience in manufacturing, steel, pipe yard, or heavy industrial environment.
• Previous experience handling long steel pipes, tubing, structural steel, or heavy materials is required.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts carrying oversized or extended loads.
• Experience loading and unloading flatbed trailers.
• Basic understanding of warehouse and inventory procedures.
• Ability to read shipping documents, material labels, and work orders.
• Strong attention to safety and detail.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a steel service center, pipe yard, fabrication shop, or manufacturing facility.
• Experience with overhead cranes is a plus.
• Familiarity with ERP or warehouse inventory systems is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds; heavier materials moved using equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work throughout a 10–12-hour shift.
• Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and dust.
• Ability to safely maneuver heavy equipment and moving machinery.
• Must wear required PPE including steel-toe boots, safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, and high-visibility vest.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing facility and outdoor pipe yard.
• Exposure to heavy machinery, forklifts, overhead cranes, steel products, and varying weather conditions.
• Fast-paced industrial environment with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.