Forklift Operator 1st Shift -- Abilene, TX

Martin Sprocket & Gear; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Wellness Programs

Life & Disability Insurance

401(k) Matching Plan

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Job summary

Martin Sprocket & Gear is seeking a skilled Forklift Operator to support material handling, loading, and inventory control in a manufacturing environment.

The role requires experience with sit-down, propane, and electric forklifts, plus the ability to work in a non-climate-controlled shop. You will participate in safety programs, log activities, and collaborate across departments to ensure smooth operations.

Qualifications

• Forklift Experience: Operate sit-down, propane, and electric forklifts.
• Technical Skills: Maneuver forklifts and pallet jacks in tight spaces.
• Communication & Accuracy: Basic math; read and follow written instructions; log/report accurately.
• Physical Ability: Lift, push, pull, and position heavy products.
• Safety Compliance: Follow safety programs and PPE requirements.
• Reliability: Maintain scheduled hours and company policies.
• Work environment adaptability: Comfortable in non-climate-controlled shop.
• Warehouse & Mechanical Knowledge: Basic warehouse functions; general mechanical skills a plus.
• Teamwork & Reliability: Strong teamwork and precise task execution.

Responsibilities

• Transport raw materials to and from work centers using forklift or pallet jack.
• Load products for shipment; move finished goods to storage or shipping areas.
• Assist with waste disposal and cleanliness to meet safety standards.
• Monitor and report inventory levels to meet manufacturing demands.
• Perform general clerical tasks and support other departments as needed.
• Maintain safe, organized work areas and report equipment issues promptly.
• Adhere to safety protocols and use PPE during all shifts.
• Collaborate with teammates across departments to support operations.

Skills

Forklift experience

Technical skills

Communication & accuracy

Physical ability

Safety compliance

Reliability

Work environment adaptability

Warehouse & mechanical knowledge

Teamwork & reliability

Job description

Are you ready to bring your materials moving skills to a team that values precision and innovation? At Martin Sprocket & Gear, we’re dedicated to producing quality mechanical power transmission components, material handling systems, and custom forgings with excellence, and we're looking for skilled Forklift Operators like you!

What You’ll Do

• Material Handling: Transport raw materials to and from work centers and move products to the next step in the production process using a forklift or electric pallet jack. Pick products from warehouse shelves and floor locations.
• Loading & Unloading: Load products onto motor freight and transport finished goods to storage or shipping areas.
• Waste Disposal: Remove waste materials and dispose of them in designated dumpsters.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels to meet manufacturing demands and coordinate production work orders.
• Clerical Support: Perform general clerical tasks, and other duties as needed.
• Work Area Maintenance: Keep equipment and work area clean and safe, ensuring proper maintenance.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols, including wearing required PPE throughout the shift, and participating in safety programs.
• Cross-departmental support: Collaborate with other departments or assist in different areas as needed to support overall operations.

What You’ll Bring

• Forklift Experience: Previous experience operating sit-down, propane, and electric forklifts.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in maneuvering forklifts and pallet jacks in tight or narrow spaces.
• Communication & Accuracy: Basic math skills and the ability to read, comprehend, and follow written instructions in English; capable of completing logs and reports accurately.
• Physical Ability: Capable of lifting, pushing, pulling, and positioning heavy products.
• Safety Compliance: Experience with safety programs and adherence to safety protocols.
• Reliability: Able to work scheduled hours and adhere to company timekeeping and policies.
• Work Environment Adaptability: Comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled shop environment.
• Warehouse & Mechanical Knowledge: Knowledge of basic warehouse functions and general mechanical skills is a plus.
• Teamwork & Reliability: Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, and highly accurate in performing tasks.

Your Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to report daily to the branch to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified candidates with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc.?

Founded In 1951 By Joe Martin Sr., Martin Sprocket & Gear Is a Global Leader In Mechanical Power Transmission Components, Material Handling Systems, And Custom Forgings. We Are Proud To Remain Family-owned And Operate On a Simple Philosophy

"Make a quality product, have plenty of it available, and be easy to do business with!"

With dedicated employees, regional facilities, and strong distributor partnerships, Martin offers stability, growth potential, and a dynamic work environment for all team members.

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Affordable Medical, Pharmacy, and Dental plans.
• Wellness Initiatives: Employee wellness programs for a healthy work-life balance.
• Financial Security: Life and Disability Insurance, plus a robust 401(k) Profit Trust Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and company-paid holidays.
• Growth Opportunities: Career development and advancement within a thriving company.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by candidates applying for this specific role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of candidates hired.

Martin Sprocket & Gear is an EEO Employer and an E-Verify participating employer.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or veteran status.