Forklift Operator

Smurfit-Westrock; Village of Germantown (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting pay

Safety-focused culture

Comprehensive training

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is hiring a Forklift Driver to support our manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment. You will safely move raw materials, work in process inventory, and finished goods, ensuring material availability for production and shipping needs.

We value safety, quality, and teamwork. Candidates should have at least 2 years of forklift experience, familiarity with scanning systems, and the ability to read shipping tags and documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of forklift driving experience in manufacturing, distribution, or production.
• Ability to operate forklifts safely in a fast-paced industrial setting.
• Experience using scanning systems, inventory tools, or onboard computer systems.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English.
• Ability to read and interpret shipping tags, manifests, and operating instructions.
• Basic math skills and ability to read a tape measure.
• Ability to wear PPE including safety glasses, footwear, hearing protection.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit and operate equipment with occasional movement.
• Work in a non-climate controlled environment with varying temperatures.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment to transport raw materials, finished goods, and packaging materials throughout the facility.
• Load and unload production equipment, trailers, and hazardous materials using onboard computer systems and established procedures.
• Perform pre shift equipment inspections and conduct safety checks on trailers, docks, dock plates, and material handling equipment.
• Utilize scanning systems and inventory management tools to track product movement and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Monitor product quality and communicate concerns or issues to production operators and supervisors.
• Support production efficiency by ensuring materials are delivered promptly to machines and finished goods are transported for shipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while complying with safety standards and PPE requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and assist with additional operational responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Forklift driving

Safety awareness

Read shipping tags

English literacy

Basic math

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Tools

Scanning systems

Onboard computer systems

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The Opportunity

When you join Smurfit Westrock, you will be joining a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. As a Forklift Driver, you will play a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations by safely moving raw materials, work in process inventory, and finished goods throughout the facility. This position is ideal for experienced forklift operators who thrive in a fast-paced production environment and are committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence. You will work closely with production, shipping, and warehouse teams to ensure materials are available when and where they are needed to support customer demand and business objectives.

2 nd /3 rd Shift

How You Will Make an Impact

• Safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment to transport raw materials, finished goods, and packaging materials throughout the facility.
• Load and unload production equipment, trailers, and hazardous materials using onboard computer systems and established procedures.
• Perform pre shift equipment inspections and conduct safety checks on trailers, docks, dock plates, and material handling equipment.
• Utilize scanning systems and inventory management tools to accurately track product movement and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Monitor product quality and communicate concerns or issues to production operators and supervisors.
• Support production efficiency by ensuring materials are delivered promptly to machines and finished goods are transported for shipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while complying with all company safety standards and PPE requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and assist with additional operational responsibilities as business needs require.

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of forklift driving experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or production environment.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment in a fast-paced industrial setting.
• Experience using scanning systems, inventory management tools, or onboard computer systems.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English.
• Ability to read and interpret shipping tags, manifests, operating instructions, and procedural documentation.
• Basic math skills and the ability to accurately read a tape measure.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety footwear, hearing protection, and other safety equipment as required.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit and operate equipment continuously with occasional walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, squatting, climbing, and reaching.
• Ability to work in a non-climate controlled manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, attendance, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience moving product units without pallets.
• Experience working in the corrugated packaging, paper, manufacturing, logistics, or distribution industries.
• Knowledge of shipping, receiving, warehouse, or inventory control processes.
• Experience operating multiple types of forklifts or material handling equipment.
• Cross training experience on additional manufacturing or warehouse equipment.

What We Offer

• Competitive starting pay with opportunities for advancement based on skills and experience.
• A culture built on safety, integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities to support career growth.
• The opportunity to work for a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D coverage.
• Short term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation and company holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• A workplace where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to everything we do.

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

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.