Forklift Operator - 1st Shift (Rural Hall)

Smurfit Westrock; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock, Rural Hall, NC, is seeking a Material Handler to efficiently move materials from manufacturing and suppliers to assembly plants and customers. Shift: Mon-Thurs 6am–4pm; Pay: $19.30/hr.

Responsibilities include operating MHE, unloading inbound materials, stocking, and supporting production lines. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, 2+ years sit-down forklift experience, and English fluency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of sit-down forklift experience required.
• Forklift certification is a plus or willing to obtain upon hire.
• One or more years of experience as warehouse clerk preferred.
• Fluency in English, verbal and written.
• Basic computer literacy preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Operate Electric Pallet Jacks, Forklifts, Stand-up Reach Trucks, and Sit-down Swing Reach Trucks.
• Complete a daily checklist on material handling equipment (MHE) before the start of the shift.
• Ensure all safety equipment and devices are in place and working properly.
• Safe operation of the MHE within the plant to prevent damage or personal injury.
• Responsible for unloading inbounds, warehousing materials, supplying production lines and loading outbound shipments.
• Checking the trailers to make sure they are safe to use.
• Ensuring materials are properly unitized and marked.
• Accurately checking the quantity and description of the materials handled.
• Loading various size pallets to maximize trailer cube while minimizing in transit damage.
• Completing paperwork associated with the movement of materials in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintaining accurate inventory of all materials and completing daily cycle counts.
• Assisting other areas as need to maintain a team approach.
• May assist as a back up to the Warehouse Clerk when necessary
• Responsible for the overall Safety and cleanliness of equipment and area.
• Work in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Overtime is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

English fluency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electric Pallet Jack

Forklift

Stand-up Reach Truck

Sit-down Swing Reach Truck

Job description

Locations

NC Winston-Salem Manufacturing

Employment Type

Full Time

Date Posted

25-Sep-2026

Relocation Support

No

Description & Requirements

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:

The Material Handler position in Rural Hall, NC is responsible for the efficient handling of materials from Manufacturing and outside Suppliers going to our Assembly Plants and Customers.

• Shift: Monday - Thursday 6am to 4pm
• Pay: $19.30/hr.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Responsible for operating Electric Pallet Jacks, Forklifts, Stand-up Reach Trucks, and Sit-down Swing Reach Trucks.
• Complete a daily checklist on Material Handling Equipment (MHE) before the start of the shift.
• Ensure all safety equipment and devices are in place and working properly.
• Safe operation of the MHE within the plant to prevent damage or personal injury.
• Responsible for unloading inbounds, warehousing materials, supplying production lines and loading outbound shipments.
• Checking the trailers to make sure they are safe to use.
• Ensuring materials are properly unitized and marked.
• Accurately checking the quantity and description of the materials handled.
• Loading various size pallets to maximize trailer cube while minimizing in transit damage.
• Completing paperwork associated with the movement of materials in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintaining accurate inventory of all materials and completing daily cycle counts.
• Assisting other areas as need to maintain a team approach.
• May assist as a back up to the Warehouse Clerk when necessary
• Responsible for the overall Safety and cleanliness of equipment and area.
• Work in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Overtime is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Need to Succeed:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years of Sit-Down Forklift experience required
• Forklift certification a plus or must be willing to obtain upon hire
• One (1) or more years of experience as warehouse clerk preferred.
• Fluency in English required, verbal and written.
• Basic computer literacy preferred but not required

Physical Requirements:

• Perform job duties in severe weather conditions: heat, cold, rain, etc.
• Walk for distances of 100 yards repeatedly and without assistance.
• Lift 50pounds and without assistance or equipment
• Utilize all material handling equipment without assistance.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time as a primary job responsibility.
• Observance of established safety guidelines in conducting physical work activity duties.
• Wear protective equipment as required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.