Forklift Operator

Smurfit-Westrock; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Shipping Department 3rd Shift Loader to move finished goods from lines to trucks or warehouses. You will unload, inspect against packing lists, and load orders for multiple stops, ensuring trailer utilization and product protection during transit.

Candidates should perform basic math, read paperwork, and communicate clearly with team members. The role requires standing for long periods, lifting, and occasional overtime in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills and ability to read shipment paperwork.
• Ability to interpret load tags and verify quantities.
• Proficiency with computer systems and data entry basics.
• Clear communication with peers, leads, and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Remove finished product from unloading lines and load into trucks or storage.
• Unload incoming shipments and verify against packing lists.
• Assist with proper loading for multiple stops and daily schedules.
• Maximize trailer utilization and protect product during shipment.
• Complete paperwork and maintain cleanliness in shipping areas.
• Report any quality or safety concerns to supervisors.
• Work overtime as needed and cover other shifts when required.

Skills

Basic math

Read paperwork

Load tags

Computer literacy

Communication

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.

Shipping Department

3 rd Shift

JOB RESPONSIBILITY

Remove finished product, including sheets and finished packages from unloading lines and load the product into designated truck or warehouse location. Unload incoming trucks with sheet stock and check to verify that packing list agrees with items on truck. This position will report to the Shipping Supervisor.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Act as the final quality check for product leaving the facility. If not up to acceptable quality standards, stop the shipment and communicate with appropriate personnel.
• Inspect the maintenance of the lift truck and fill out lift truck repair sheet when necessary.
• Work with Shipping Lead and or Supervisor regarding proper loading of orders for multiple stops. loads based on delivery schedule.
• Load trucks as outlined by Supervisor/Scheduler.
• Determine the best way of loading trucks to maximize trailer utilization and to protect the product during shipment.
• Work together with other loaders to keep lines empty and trucks loaded.
• Unload lines coming from the Unitizer.
• Determine how to route orders from the Unitizer whether they are staged on the floor or loaded onto a truck.
• Ensure that all trailers have been dock locked or that wheels have been choked.
• Clean empty trailers prior to loading.
• Complete all necessary paperwork.
• Maintain housekeeping in the shipping area.
• Blow out the Lift Truck daily.
• Work overtime as needed (covering vacations and absences).
• Must be able to work any shift as needed.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Must be able to do basic math.
• Must be able to read paperwork/load tags.
• Good working knowledge of computers
• Good communication skills with peers, supervisor and leadership over the radio or in person.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

• Must be able to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time up to 12 hours per day with intermittent breaks during shift.
• Frequently walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, turning, twisting, bending, kneeling, heavy use of hands/forearms.
• Ability to lift a propane tank which is a minimum of 50 lbs. for fuel changeout during shift.

SAFETY

• PPE (personal protective equipment) will be required.
• Understand safe work practices and emergency action plan for the plant.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Manufacturing/Assembly, indoor, concrete floor, dust, good ventilation, moving machinery.
• Heat/Cold changes in temperature and /or humidity changes.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

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.