Forklift Loader & Operator at Recycling Plant

Federal Recycling & Waste Solutions; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Recycling & Waste Solutions is seeking a dependable Forklift & Loader Operator to support daily material handling and production operations. The role involves safely operating forklifts, loaders, and other material-handling equipment to move, load, unload, stage, and organize recyclable materials throughout the facility and yard.

The ideal candidate is reliable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One to two years of forklift, loader, or material-handling experience in an industrial environment preferred.
• Valid forklift certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
• Experience safely operating loaders or similar heavy equipment preferred.
• Ability to perform and document daily equipment inspections.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, safety procedures, shipping information, and basic inventory documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to identify and report potential safety hazards and equipment concerns.
• Effective communication with drivers, coworkers, supervisors, and management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable attendance and ability to maintain a consistent work pace.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts, loaders, and other material-handling equipment to move and stage recyclable materials throughout the facility and yard.
• Load and unload trailers while ensuring materials are handled safely and placed in designated processing or storage areas.
• Feed recyclable materials into processing equipment at a consistent rate to support efficient production.
• Move, stage, and organize inbound and outbound materials to maintain efficient material flow and inventory organization.
• Support shipping and receiving operations by staging materials and preparing loads according to production and shipping schedules.
• Complete daily pre-shift equipment inspections and promptly report mechanical, maintenance, or safety concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe docks, yards, storage locations, traffic areas, and equipment operating areas.
• Identify and promptly report damaged materials, equipment concerns, safety hazards, and unsafe conditions.
• Follow all company safety procedures, equipment operating guidelines, and required PPE requirements.
• Communicate effectively with drivers, production employees, and supervisors to coordinate material movement and support daily operations.
• Assist with production, material handling, housekeeping, and other facility operations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support safe and efficient plant operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Dependability

Workplace safety

Effective communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Loader operation experience

Job description

Company Background And Job Summary

Federal Recycling is a leading independent recycling company with over 100 years of experience helping customers build profitable, sustainable waste management operations. As part of \"Where Green is Going\", we deliver innovative, forward-thinking recycling solutions that enable our partners to lead their industries in environmental responsibility.

Company Background And Job Summary

Federal Recycling is a leading independent recycling company with over 100 years of experience helping customers build profitable, sustainable waste management operations. As part of \"Where Green is Going\", we deliver innovative, forward-thinking recycling solutions that enable our partners to lead their industries in environmental responsibility.

Federal Recycling is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Forklift & Loader Operator to support daily material handling and production operations. This position is responsible for safely operating forklifts, loaders, and other material‑handling equipment to move, load, unload, stage, and organize recyclable materials throughout the facility and yard.

The ideal candidate is reliable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced industrial environment. This position works closely with drivers, production employees, and supervisors to maintain efficient material flow, support processing and shipping activities, and keep work areas safe and organized.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts, loaders, and other material‑handling equipment to move and stage recyclable materials throughout the facility and yard.
• Load and unload trailers while ensuring materials are handled safely and placed in designated processing or storage areas.
• Feed recyclable materials into processing equipment at a consistent rate to support efficient production.
• Move, stage, and organize inbound and outbound materials to maintain efficient material flow and inventory organization.
• Support shipping and receiving operations by staging materials and preparing loads according to production and shipping schedules.
• Complete daily pre‑shift equipment inspections and promptly report mechanical, maintenance, or safety concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe docks, yards, storage locations, traffic areas, and equipment operating areas.
• Identify and promptly report damaged materials, equipment concerns, safety hazards, and unsafe conditions.
• Follow all company safety procedures, equipment operating guidelines, and required PPE requirements.
• Communicate effectively with drivers, production employees, and supervisors to coordinate material movement and support daily operations.
• Assist with production, material handling, housekeeping, and other facility operations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support safe and efficient plant operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One to two years of forklift, loader, heavy equipment, or material‑handling experience in a recycling, warehouse, manufacturing, construction, or other industrial environment preferred.
• Valid forklift certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
• Experience safely operating loaders or similar heavy equipment preferred.
• Ability to perform and document daily equipment inspections.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, safety procedures, shipping information, and basic inventory documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to identify and report potential safety hazards and equipment concerns.
• Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, coworkers, supervisors, and management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, physically demanding environment.
• Dependable attendance and ability to maintain a consistent work pace.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Regularly lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance from a partner.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing on and off forklifts and loaders throughout the workday.
• Work is performed in a non‑climate‑controlled warehouse, recycling facility, and yard with exposure to seasonal temperatures, weather, dust, noise, and moving industrial equipment.
• Must be comfortable working around forklifts, loaders, trailers, conveyors, processing equipment, and other heavy machinery.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in designated areas.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work may be required based on production needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Federal Recycling is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary: $16 - $19 per hour