Forklift Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Total rewards benefits after 60 days

Competitive salary

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid vacation and paid holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a forklift driver to operate an industrial forklift in a high-volume warehouse. You will load/unload trucks, scan receipts, inspect equipment, and ensure safe, accurate handling of materials for a busy plant that ships up to 60 trailers daily.

Roles include daily safety checks, equipment maintenance, and collaboration with teams. Training on first shift with 60-day onboarding, potential shifts include 7p–7a with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Previous forklift experience in high-volume environments preferred.
• Forklift driver certification valid in last 12 months preferred.
• Ability to learn proprietary software for Corrugated Manufacturing systems.
• Basic reading/writing in English required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect the forklift daily at shift start; complete safety checklist.
• Safely track and move materials throughout the facility.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness of equipment and area.
• Ensure materials shipped and warehouse handling prevent damage.
• Load and unload trucks per standards and customer demands.
• Use an RF scanner for receipts of returns or deliveries.
• Verify counts, quantities, quality and descriptions of products received or shipped.
• Assist production lines by delivering products as requested.
• Palletize or shrink wrap units as required.
• Complete paperwork related to movement of products and materials.

Skills

Forklift operation

RF scanner

Safety compliance

Inventory management

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Corrugated Manufacturing systems

Job description

Hourly: $23.88

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. Our plant is not climate controlled.

o C shift 7p-7a Monday through Friday with Saturdays as needed

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

The starting rate is$23.88 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 5 days of paid vacation prorated year 1, and 10 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education.

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