Forklift Operator

Barnhart Crane & Rigging; Monroe (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Weekly pay

Full-time permanent role

CAREs family & community service

Industry-leading equipment

Career growth opportunities

Exposure to major projects

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Barnhart Crane & Rigging is seeking a Forklift Operator to move oversized and high-value loads across industrial projects. You will operate forklifts, gantry cranes, and specialized trailers, while performing setup, inspections, and basic maintenance.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliability, with opportunities to grow in a national organization and exposure to major energy, infrastructure, and construction projects.

Qualifications

• CDL Class A license with no restrictions.
• Minimum one year of experience operating heavy equipment, forklifts, or similar machinery.
• Willingness to adhere to site safety standards and grooming requirements.
• Strong commitment to safe equipment operation and personal accountability.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, gantry cranes, and specialized heavy transport equipment.
• Assemble and configure hydraulic platform trailer setups per project needs.
• Transport oversized and high-value loads safely across job sites.
• Inspect equipment daily and perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Maintain load securement and communicate with foremen and crews during transport.

Skills

CDL Class A

Heavy equipment operation

Forklift operation

Team collaboration

Safety consciousness

Willingness to travel/overtime

Tools

Goldhofer hydraulic platform trailers

Job description

Join a Team That Builds, Lifts, and Moves America

At Barnhart, we specialize in transporting some of the largest and most complex components in the world. As a Forklift Operator, you'll operate specialized hydraulic platform trailers, forklifts, and other heavy equipment used to move oversized and high-value loads across industrial, energy, infrastructure, and construction projects.

What You'll Do

• Operate forklifts, gantry overhead cranes, Goldhofer hydraulic platform trailers, and other specialized heavy transport equipment.
• Assemble, configure, and disassemble hydraulic platform trailer configurations based on project requirements.
• Transport oversized and high-value loads safely and efficiently across a variety of job sites.
• Conduct daily and monthly inspections of hydraulic platform trailers, forklifts, and support equipment to ensure safe operation and compliance.
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting on hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, gasoline, diesel, and propane-powered equipment.
• Assist with diagnosis and correction of equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain operational readiness.
• Inspect load securement gear and ensure all loads are properly secured and transported within equipment capacities.
• Maintain constant communication with foremen, drivers, rigging crews, and project teams during transport and lifting operations.
• Participate in safety meetings and support Barnhart's safety-first culture.
• Utilize assigned tools and equipment to support maintenance, assembly, and operational activities.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in equipment performance, reliability, and work processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support heavy haul operations and project success.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Competitive Pay + Weekly Pay Schedule
• Permanent, full-time role
• Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities
• Opportunity to operate industry-leading heavy transport and material handling equipment
• Long-term growth opportunities within a national organization
• Exposure to major industrial, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy projects
• Build valuable skills in heavy transport, forklift operations, hydraulics, troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance
• Join a company with a strong safety-first, team-driven culture

What You Bring

Required

• CDL Class A license without restrictions.
• Minimum one year of experience operating heavy equipment, forklifts, or similar machinery.
• Willingness to adhere to periodic clean-shaven grooming standards as required by site specific safety standards.
• Strong commitment to safe equipment operation and personal accountability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with operators, foremen, and mechanics.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work overtime as needed.
• Professional attitude and appearance.

Preferred

• Experience operating Goldhofer hydraulic platform trailers.
• Experience moving oversized or high-value loads.
• Heavy haul, rigging, crane, construction, or industrial equipment experience.
• Forklift certification.
• Knowledge of load securement and transportation best practices.

PURPOSE

Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER

Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK

Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry's strongest networks of talent and resources, with more than 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers team members continuous opportunities for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE

Barnhart has a strong team culture, the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence and value collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.