Forklift Operator

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

401(k) matching

Paid holidays

Telemedicine

Job summary

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is seeking a Warehouse/Material Handler to receive, inspect, and process inbound loads, ensuring QA/QC of all materials while maintaining a safe, clean worksite.

The role requires operating forklifts and heavy equipment, loading and unloading, basic maintenance, and strict adherence to safety policies within a team focused on reliable, compliant waste services.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Proficient in operating forklifts and other heavy equipment.
• Strong ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team.
• Capable of lifting up to 51 lbs.
• Reliable, with strong work ethic.
• Must pass a pulmonary function test and respirator fit test.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize health and safety by understanding, following, and promoting all policies and procedures while consistently working in a safe manner.
• Load and unload materials in compliance with company regulations and standards.
• Receive and inspect all inbound materials using standardized QA/QC procedures.
• Safely handle, load, unload, and sample solid and liquid materials in accordance with company, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Verify that manifested material types and quantities match received containers, ensuring compliance with company procedures.
• Conduct chemical compatibility checks to prevent adverse reactions and ensure safe handling.
• Operate heavy equipment and powered industrial machinery as required.
• Operate forklifts with various attachments safely and efficiently.
• Perform daily pre-operational inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Conduct basic operator-level maintenance, including greasing and cleaning.
• Assist with basic spill response and general housekeeping as directed.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas, including walls, floors, pit drains, and surrounding spaces.
• Use required PPE such as boots, gloves, protective suits, eye/ear protection, and respirators.
• Regularly clean assigned areas by shoveling, sweeping, and washing throughout the day.
• Identify and report any safety hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Monitor PPE and supply inventory in the stockroom and notify management when restocking is needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Forklift operation

Heavy equipment operation

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Job description

About VLS!

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

About VLS!

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC

is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-arts barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Summary

Job Summary

Operators are responsible for receiving and inspecting deliveries of various materials, ensuring quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) of incoming loads. They are also tasked with maintaining site safety and cleanliness, as well as processing materials in the solidification pit. This role involves operating heavy equipment such as loaders and excavators, as well as powered industrial equipment like forklifts and a range of powered and non-powered tools.

Job Duties

• Prioritize health and safety by understanding, following, and promoting all policies and procedures while consistently working in a safe manner.
• Load and unload materials in compliance with company regulations and standards.
• Receive and inspect all inbound materials using standardized QA/QC procedures.
• Safely handle, load, unload, and sample solid and liquid materials in accordance with company, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Verify that manifested material types and quantities match received containers, ensuring compliance with company procedures.
• Conduct chemical compatibility checks to prevent adverse reactions and ensure safe handling.
• Operate heavy equipment and powered industrial machinery as required.
• Operate forklifts with various attachments safely and efficiently.
• Perform daily pre-operational inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Conduct basic operator-level maintenance, including greasing and cleaning.
• Assist with basic spill response and general housekeeping as directed.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas, including walls, floors, pit drains, and surrounding spaces.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as boots, gloves, protective suits, eye/ear protection, and respirators.
• Regularly clean assigned areas by shoveling, sweeping, and washing throughout the day.
• Identify and report any safety hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Monitor PPE and supply inventory in the stockroom and notify management when restocking is needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Proficient in operating forklifts and other heavy equipment.
• Strong ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment.
• Capable of lifting up to 51 lbs. without assistance.
• Possesses basic skills in math, reading comprehension, verbal communication, and writing.
• Demonstrates effective time management and organizational skills.
• Able to perform repetitive tasks in dusty environments and varying weather conditions.
• Works well independently or as part of a team.
• Reliable and dependable with a strong work ethic.
• Must be able to pass a Pulmonary Function Test and respirator fit test.

What's in it for you!

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first class, high value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work-life balance.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high quality, low-premium medical, dental and vision plans, which include our first-in-class concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD Offering.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) -- Set aside pre-tax money to use toward your health care spending. VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.
• Time Off - We offer 11 (eleven) company-paid holidays, in addition to our paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
• Employee Assistance Program -- 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.
• Telemedicine -- All employees and dependents receive free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day...including holidays!

Financial and Retirement Planning:

• 401(k) - Generous 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment. VLS will match up to 5% of your pay every pay period. Matching contributions are 100% vested immediately.
• Life and Disability Insurance -- Employer-paid life insurance, along with short-term and long-term disability coverage provided to all full-time employees.
• Voluntary Life Protection Plans -- Employees and their dependents can elect coverage in our voluntary life/add, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans.
• Rewards and Recognition Programs -- We celebrate our employees! From birthdays to anniversaries and other various milestones/achievements, we have programs in place to recognize our employees.
• Financial Planning - Free One on One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.
• Employee Discount - Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services at various retailers throughout the US.