Forklift Operator

Clean Harbors; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits after 30 days

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Clean Harbors is seeking a Forklift Operator in San Jose, CA to move equipment between docks and support on-site logistics. This role emphasizes safe, efficient cross-docking to accelerate delivery and reduce storage time.

You will operate yard vehicles, conduct pre-operation checks, and handle hazardous materials per safety protocols, while collaborating with a team in a busy outdoor environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0–3 years in driving or logistics support preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; forklift certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate yard vehicles to transfer bins, vans, trailers, and tanker trucks.
• Support cross-docking by promptly positioning inbound/outbound equipment.
• Perform routine vehicle inspections and ensure safe operation.
• Review MSDS or manifests when handling new hazardous materials, and respond to spills.

Skills

Forklift operation

Team communication

Safety awareness

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Clean Harbors is currently looking for a Forklift Operator to join their team! As a Forklift Operator, you will perform hands on operations. Truck To Truck Technician at our San Jose, CA facility supports efficient, on-site logistics operations, with a focus on cross-docking—a streamlined supply chain method that minimizes storage and accelerates delivery. This hands-on position plays a key role in moving equipment and materials quickly and safely between inbound and outbound docks, helping reduce warehousing costs and improve turnaround time.

Schedule: Monday - Friday (Some Saturdays)

Pay rate $21 to $23/Hr

Why work for Clean Harbors?

• Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
• Computer/Phone savvy.
• Operate forklift.
• Attention to detail, ability to count and read and time management.
• Must be able to communicate and work with a team.
• Competitive wages
• Monday-Friday schedule
• Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
• Group 401K with company matching component
• Own Part of the Company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

Responsibilities

• Safely operate yard vehicles to transfer bins, vans, trailers, and tanker trucks throughout the facility.
• Support cross-docking operations by promptly positioning inbound and outbound equipment at assigned docks to allow for quick unloading and reloading with minimal storage.
• Ensure wheel chocks and jack stands are in place and functioning properly before transport.
• Review MSDS or manifests when handling new hazardous materials.
• Respond to and clean up spills using proper safety protocols.
• Perform routine vehicle inspections including brakes, fuel levels, tire pressure, lights, and fluid systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Accurately placard and stage equipment in compliance with permitted storage requirements.
• Manoeuvre vehicles safely within tight and busy yard environments while observing posted speed limits and site driving rules

What does it take to work at Clean Harbors?

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: 0–3 years in a similar driving or logistics support role.
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license required; forklift certification preferred.

Skills

• Strong spatial awareness and decision-making under minimal supervision
• Mechanically inclined and safety conscious
• Able to plan and execute work efficiently under time-sensitive conditions

Physical Requirements

• Medium work: frequent lifting/carrying of up to 25 lbs., occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, walking, bending, climbing, and use of hands and feet for vehicle operation
• Must pass a respirator fit test and work safely in outdoor environments.

Driving Requirements

• Operate cars, small and large trucks with both automatic and manual transmissions within the yard
• Support movement of vehicles required for real-time dock scheduling

Work Environment

• Less than 10% travel
• No supervisory responsibilities
• Position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions

Clean Harbors has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year. Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [e-mail] or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors and its subsidiaries are a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.