Forklift Operator

Smurfit-Westrock; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid vacation

Career growth

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock seeks Fork Truck Operators to join the Shipping Team at Devens and Lunenburg, MA. You will operate forklifts to load, unload, move, and stage materials, supporting a high-volume operation that moves about 50 trailers daily.

The role offers training, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits. Shifts are 2nd (1:00 PM–9:00 PM) and 3rd (9:00 PM–5:00 AM). Plant is climate controlled? not specified; see posting for details.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Basic math skills including 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 to prevent 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 shrink-wrap finished products.

Skills

Safety awareness

Reliability

Overtime adaptability

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

RF scanners

Forklift operation

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.

The Forklift Operator opening includes several openings: Roll Clamp Truck Driver (2nd Shift), Forklift Truck Operator (3rd Shift), Loader (2nd Shift & 3rd Shift) at either Devens, MA location or Lunenburg, MA location.

• 320 Parker Street, Springfield, MA 01129

Pay: $21.67 an hour to start. Once training and probation period is completed could increase up to $25.11/hour plus shift differential

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?

We offer competitive pay and industry-leading benefits, including:

• 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
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• 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.

How 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

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

Join Smurfit Westrock and become part of a team that delivers innovative packaging solutions while building a rewarding career.

Hiring Immediately!

If you have one or more of the above skills, we encourage you to apply!

The salary for this position is $21.67 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at [1] www.westrock.com/company/careers and the application window is expected to close by 9/30/2026 .

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