Forklift Operator

Colonial Group; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

PTO and holidays

Employee assistance program

Wellness program

Job summary

Odyssey Logistics in Gary, IN is seeking a Warehouse Operator to safely manage inventory, operate forklifts and other heavy equipment, and support shipping, receiving, and railcar operations. The role requires 40 hours weekly with some overtime, and flexibility for nights and weekends.

The candidate will work onsite in a fast-paced environment, adhere to OSHA standards, and participate in safety and training programs. Forklift certification and prior warehousing experience are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• Must have forklift certification and experience
• At least 1 year of experience in a similar role and environment required.
• Previous experience in transportation or metals warehousing preferred.
• Experience with forklifts, overhead cranes, track mobiles, and handheld RFID scanners preferred.
• Microsoft Office proficiency with the ability to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow OSHA requirements.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends when required.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding warehouse environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate remote-controlled cranes, forklifts, track mobiles, and other applicable equipment.
• Receive, ship, organize, and safely move products throughout the warehouse.
• Pull work orders and process inbound and outbound shipments using handheld scanners.
• Ensure inventory and materials are stored safely and properly blocked.
• Inspect inbound and outbound materials and document any exceptions or damages.
• Package steel coils and prepare products for shipment.
• Remove and secure bulkheads against steel coils in railcars.
• Remove debris and clean railcars before loading.
• Support the movement of railcars in and out of the building using track mobile equipment.
• Follow OSHA regulations and company safety procedures at all times.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and monitor fluid levels.
• Ensure equipment is not overloaded and follow proper crane and forklift signaling procedures.
• Maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE) and use it according to company policy.
• Immediately report incidents, accidents, damages, and claims to management.
• Maintain accurate inventory and material records.
• Complete daily paperwork and record operational data.
• Keep warehouse and work areas clean and organized.
• Participate in meetings, cross-training, development programs, and required certification programs.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Physical stamina

OSHA knowledge

Documentation

Communication

Flexible hours

Heavy equipment experience

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Forklifts

Overhead cranes

Track mobiles

RFID scanners

Microsoft Office

Job description

Warehouse Operator/Forklift Operator

Gary, IN

About Odyssey Logistics

Odyssey Logistics is a global logistics and supply chain partner helping businesses optimize performance through fully integrated, end-to-end solutions. We connect transportation, technology, and expertise across a broad network of services including 3PL and 4PL managed services, multimodal and intermodal transport, warehousing, trucking, Jones Act Ocean, and customs brokerage, ensuring goods move reliably, efficiently, and intelligently around the world.

Today, Odyssey supports more than 6,000 customers globally, delivering scalable, data-driven solutions across complex supply chains. What started with a single client has grown into a dynamic, evolving organization focused on performance, precision, and long-term partnership.

What Sets Us Apart

Our work is complex, fast moving, and highly collaborative. Success here requires people who think strategically, operate with urgency, and navigate across functions to solve real business challenges. We value individuals who take ownership, challenge the status quo, and turn insight into action.

Our culture is grounded in five core values: Win Together, Innovate Boldly, Drive Results, Customer Centric, and Guide with Care.

At Odyssey, you are not just part of a company; you are part of building what comes next.

The Role

Work Model: Onsite
Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with some overtime required as scheduled. Must be flexible to work varying hours, including nights and weekends as necessary.
Travel Requirements: Overnight travel is not required.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Reports to: Warehousing Manager

Summary / Primary Role

The Warehouse Operator I is responsible for safely managing warehouse inventory through receiving, shipping, storage, and movement of products. This position operates forklifts, overhead cranes, track mobiles, and other equipment as applicable to safely move materials. The role also supports product inspection, inventory organization, railcar operations, packaging, and shipment processing.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a reliable and safety-focused Warehouse Operator to support daily warehouse and material-handling operations. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments, operating heavy equipment, and following established safety and operating procedures.

• Warehouse & Material Handling
  • Receive, ship, organize, and safely move products throughout the warehouse.
  • Operate remote-controlled cranes, forklifts, track mobiles, and other applicable equipment.
  • Pull work orders and process inbound and outbound shipments using handheld scanners.
  • Ensure inventory and materials are stored safely and properly blocked.
• Shipping & Receiving
  • Inspect inbound and outbound materials and document any exceptions or damages.
  • Package steel coils and prepare products for shipment.
  • Remove and secure bulkheads against steel coils in railcars.
  • Remove debris and clean railcars before loading.
  • Support the movement of railcars in and out of the building using track mobile equipment.
• Safety & Equipment Operations
  • Follow OSHA regulations and company safety procedures at all times.
  • Perform routine equipment inspections and monitor fluid levels.
  • Ensure equipment is not overloaded and follow proper crane and forklift signaling procedures.
  • Maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE) and use it according to company policy.
  • Immediately report incidents, accidents, damages, and claims to management.
• Inventory & Documentation
  • Maintain accurate inventory and material records.
  • Complete daily paperwork and record operational data.
  • Keep warehouse and work areas clean and organized.
  • Participate in meetings, cross-training, development programs, and required certification programs.

What You Bring

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• Must have forklift certification and experience
• At least 1 year of experience in a similar role and environment required.
• Previous experience in transportation or metals warehousing preferred.
• Experience with forklifts, overhead cranes, track mobiles, and handheld RFID scanners preferred.
• Microsoft Office proficiency with the ability to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow OSHA requirements.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends when required.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding warehouse environment.

Employees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week to maintain full-time status for benefits purposes. The position generally requires approximately 40 hours per week, with some overtime as scheduled.

No relocation allowance will be considered unless specifically addressed. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Work Environment

This position works both indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to:

• Inclement weather, heat, cold, and wind
• Dust, fumes, gases, and odors
• Loud noise and vibration
• Moving machinery, vehicles, and equipment
• Chemicals and petroleum products
• Electrical and fire hazards
• Confined spaces

Physical Requirements

The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, balancing, grasping, and use of hands and fingers. Employees may operate forklifts and track mobile equipment for extended periods and may occasionally climb, crawl, crouch, or kneel.

The position requires the ability to:

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Push and pull up to 20 lbs. occasionally
• Operate a forklift and motor vehicle for extended periods
• Read and interpret shipping documents and instructions
• Inspect products, railcars, and trailers
• Read and respond to crane and forklift signals

Physical Strength Rating: Medium

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• A choice of medical plans with FSA and HSA options
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Health & Wellness Program
• Discounts with Preferred Vendors

At Odyssey, we believe the best ideas come from people with different skills, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and evaluate every candidate based on the qualifications needed for the role, while also valuing the unique strengths, curiosity, and fresh thinking each person brings. Our commitment to inclusion helps fuel innovation and enables us to deliver smarter, more creative solutions for our customers.

Visit us at: Odyssey Logistics Careers