Forklift Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable packaging solutions is seeking a Forklift Operator in Richmond, VA. The role involves safely operating forklifts to track, load, and unload materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Successful candidates will be responsible for maintaining safety, cleanliness, and accurate inventory management as part of their daily tasks.

Benefits

Comprehensive training offered

Total rewards benefit package

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Previous forklift experience preferred.
• Forklift driver certification within the last 12 months preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklift to move materials safely.
• Load and unload trucks according to standards.
• Inspect forklift and maintain workplace cleanliness.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Machinery troubleshooting

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

Forklift

RF scanner

Job description

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This range is provided by Smurfit Westrock. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$21.79/hr - $21.79/hr

General Information

Job ID

ATR52639

Posting Job Title

Forklift Operator

Locations

VA Richmond Container

Employment Type

Full Time

Date Posted

20-Jun-2025

Relocation Support

No

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Opportunity summary: As Forklift Driver in our busy shipping bay or warehouse, you will be responsible for operating an industrial forklift to track load and/or unload trucks for delivering the units to customers according to their requirements. You will also keep accurate tally of what is shipped to customers. We are a high-volume manufacturing plant, and you will be part of a team that loads up to 60 trailers a day. You will also be responsible for all activities associated with safely operating the forklift in addition to participating in cross training efforts and sharing duties with other drivers. Our forklift drivers may also operate our banding machines to ensure pallets are ready to load.

Training and onboarding take place on the day shift and may last 60 days depending on your ability and readiness to move to the floor. You will most likely be asked to go to night shift or our swing shift. Our plant is not climate controlled.

Fork Truck Operator - Shipping Team $21.79 Hour plus shift differential

Shifts: You must be able to work any of the shifts below.

• Night shift 7PM-7AM
• Day Shift 7AM-7PM
• Split Shift (2) day & (2) nights
• Requires Saturday availability
  
  

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Inspect the forklift daily at the start of the shift ensuring all safety features are operational. Complete checklist documenting inspection.
• Safely track and move materials throughout the facility safely and efficiently
• Responsible for the overall safety and cleanliness of the equipment and work area.
• Assure all materials shipped and warehouse are handled in a manner that prevents damage
• Load and unload trucks according to department standards and customer demands.
• Use an RF scanner for receipts of returns or deliveries.
• Verify all counts, quantities, quality and descriptions of products and materials received, shipped or warehouse are what is expected.
• Service production lines, delivering products as requested.
• Properly palletize or shrink wrap a unit.
• Timely and accurate completion of paperwork associated with the movement of product & materials.
• Responsible for general cleanliness of the warehouse and loading docks.
• Perform regular inventory and cycle counts.
• Safely change forklift propane tanks and/or batteries as needed.
• Assist other departments as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

What You Need To Succeed

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Previous forklift experience in a high-volume high-speed environment preferred
• Forklift driver certification valid during the last 12 months is preferred
• Knowledge of machinery and how to identify issues and troubleshoot equipment preferred.
• Ability to learn proprietary software programs for the Corrugated Manufacturing systems.
• Must have ability to the basic ability to read and write in English.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret documents, comprehend simple instructions, follow maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Must have ability to perform basic arithmetic dealing with decimals, fractions, rations, etc.
• Ability to read a tape measure.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all employees and to customers, both verbally and in writing
• Must be able to maintain good attendance.
• Must be available to work overtime and weekends or other shifts.
• Physical demand will include the ability to sit for continuous hours, stand, walk, bend
• kneel, navigate stairs though the entire shift and drive in reverse.
  
  

What We Offer

• Corporate culture is based on integrity, respect, responsibility, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary that reflects skills, competencies, and potential.
• Total rewards benefit package starting after 60 days.
• A career in a global packaging company where sustainability, safety and inclusion are business drivers and fundamental elements of daily work.
  
  

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

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Manufacturing and Production

• Industries

  Manufacturing

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