Forklift Operator

YORK CONTAINER COMPANY MIDWEST; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

YORK CONTAINER COMPANY MIDWEST in Elgin, Illinois is looking for a Forklift Truck Operator responsible for efficiently handling materials and ensuring damage-free delivery. You will operate forklifts, load trailers, and manage documentation while adhering to safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing environment and must be able to lift heavy materials. Competitive compensation and benefits are included in this full-time position.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating forklifts in manufacturing or warehouse settings.
• Ability to handle large and heavy materials with precision.
• Must be able to lift and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts safely and efficiently to move products.
• Load and unload products from trailers as required.
• Complete pre-operation forklift inspections and maintenance reports.

Skills

Forklift operation

Material handling

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Clamp truck

Handheld radios

Job description

Job Title

Forklift Truck Operator

Reports To

Shipping and Receiving Manager

Core Purpose

Always Meet Customers’ Expectations

Core Values

• Exceptional Customer Experiences... always
• Work as One Team
• Our people are our Family
• Your word is your Bond
• Think and act as an Owner
• Environmental Leadership

Job Summary

Responsible for moving products from production lines to trailers, loading trailers to customers’ specifications, and ensuring transport of damage‑free products.

Essential Job Functions

• Operate forklifts safely and efficiently after successful certification and testing.
• Read and interpret loading summary/manifest sheets to ensure accurate product distribution and shipment.
• Utilize RF scanning systems to identify, track, and verify products.
• Palletize products for shipment as required, ensuring compliance with customer-specific pallet requirements.
• Load trailers in a manner that ensures product stability and damage‑free delivery, using appropriate load securement methods.
• Handle all materials in accordance with company quality assurance standards.
• Safely manage various unit configurations to prevent product damage during handling and transport.
• Identify and report high‑risk products or loads to the Superintendent or Shipping & Receiving Manager.
• Communicate load discrepancies or issues to Team Leads or Warehouse Manager for prompt resolution.
• Complete all required documentation, including pallet verification and shipment paperwork.
• Perform and document pre‑operation forklift inspections; report maintenance issues as needed.
• Pull and stage orders accurately for warehouse releases and shipments.
• Load and unload products from trailers as required.
• Support inventory control processes, including cycle counts and stock verification.
• Follow proper lockout/tagout procedures for defective or unsafe equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Other Functions

• Support continuous improvement efforts by following best practices and providing feedback on processes.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment that promotes skill development and team success.
• Assist in training and mentoring team members by sharing knowledge of processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Support the training and onboarding of new and existing employees by effectively communicating and demonstrating company processes and procedures.
• Define problems, collect data, and draw conclusions.
• Deal with various situations.
• Work independently as well as part of a team.
• Exercise honesty, integrity and respect with clients and co‑workers.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, demonstrate a positive attitude, communicate effectively, and work safely in compliance with all safety policies.
• Maintain good attendance, keep work environment neat and clean, and exercise initiative to learn new skills.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned from time to time.

Basic Qualifications

• Prior work experience in a manufacturing facility or a fast‑paced working environment.
• Previous experience operating a clamp truck or forklift in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Ability to handle large, heavy, and delicate materials with care and precision.
• Work any shift, overtime hours, and weekends as needed.
• Read a tape measure quickly and accurately.
• Calculate figures such as percentages, volume, and rate.
• Read and comprehend simple instructions, schedules, and orders.
• Work within a team and effectively communicate with others.
• Excellent verbal communication skills while using handheld radios and headsets.
• Basic computer literacy, including inputting data using touchscreens, HMIs, or inventory/production/scheduling systems.
• Work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Must stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift, bend, and perform physical tasks.
• Specific vision abilities: close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception.
• Must operate various powered equipment such as forklift/clamp truck.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. and at least 18 years old.
• Must pass pre‑employment background check and drug screen.
• Demonstration of minimum proficiency with the English language.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience 3+ years in a corrugated manufacturing environment operating roll clamp/forklift truck.
• Strong understanding of corrugated manufacturing operations and mechanical systems.

Machines/Tools/Equipment

• Steel toe boots, high visibility vest/shirt, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
• Small tools: utility knife, measuring tape, air gun, pen, load tags, calculator, broom, hand banders.
• Handheld radios and headsets.
• Powered equipment: forklift, clamp truck, lift, pallet jack.
• Computer/tablet, printer/copier.

Safety

Follow all facility safety guidelines, adhering to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and Food Safety outlined during training.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to varying temperatures, including hot and cold environments.
• Work may occur indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
• Fast‑paced industrial environment with moving equipment and machinery.

Physical Requirements

Stand, sit, walk, drive, and lift up to 75 lbs frequently. Use upper extremities for repetitive actions such as pushing and pulling. Must be able to perform tasks such as bending at the waist, squatting, climbing, reaching above shoulders, kneeling, crawling, and operating foot controls.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job.