Forklift Operator – 2nd Shift

Taleo; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Life & AD&D insurance

Short-Term disability

EAP

Employee discounts

401(k) match

FSA

LSA

Tuition reimbursement

Vacation time

Monthly bonus

HSA

Job summary

The Kruger Packaging Elizabethtown Plant is seeking a dependable Forklift Operator to safely move materials, support production lines, and maintain accurate inventory. You will load/unload shipments, document activities, and help keep the warehouse organized according to strict safety standards.

This full-time role offers a second shift schedule, competitive starting wages with weekly pay, and extensive benefits including health coverage, retirement plans, and training opportunities aimed at

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Forklift driving experience preferred.
• Prior manufacturing or heavy equipment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to transport materials and load/unload trailers.
• Maximize equipment utilization at available capacity.
• Conduct and document forklift inspections before each shift.
• Identify and locate stock prior to production runs.
• Deliver stock to machines on schedule and maintain stock records.

Skills

Forklift operation

Math & measurement

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Shop floor software

Job description

Production
Containerboard & Packaging
Elizabethtown Plant – Elizabethtown, KY, US

Competitive Compensation

Wide Range of Benefits

Location

1000 N. Black Branch Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Schedule

Full-Time; Monday through Friday, 2:45 PM – 11:00 PM Eastern Time
Overtime and weekend work frequently required.

Pay

Starting pay is $21.94 per hour, with an additional $0.50 per hour shift differential when working 2nd shift. Hourly employees are paid weekly via direct deposit.
Pay increases are not based on tenure but on successfully completing company-provided training and qualifying to perform additional jobs. Compensation grows with expanded skills, offering clear opportunities for advancement.

Benefits Effective on Hire Date

• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs
• Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability

Additional Benefits

• Vacation Time
• Monthly Bonus – Available after 1 month of employment; up to $600 per month
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) Plan with Company Match – Available the first day of the month following 60 days of employment; contributions are immediately 100% vested
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Available after 3 months of employment
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - Available after 3 months of employment
• Tuition Reimbursement

Company Summary

Kruger is a fourth-generation, family-owned company dedicated to turning renewable resources into sustainable everyday essentials. At Kruger Packaging, we manufacture innovative, eco-friendly corrugated packaging. Guided by values of safety first, family spirit, integrity, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship, we empower employees to inspire engagement, nurture expertise, and generate growth—the Kruger Way.

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a forklift to transport materials, support production lines, and load or unload trailers. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate inventory, ensuring timely material flow, and upholding a clean and organized warehouse environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to transport materials throughout the facility, load/unload trailers, and complete all required documentation.
• Maximize the utilization of equipment by safely operating the machinery at available capacity and speed.
• Conduct and document a forklift inspection form before start of each shift and turn in maintenance work orders to supervision for needed repairs.
• Identify and locate stock prior to production runs.
• Deliver the correct stock to machines safely and on schedule.
• Remove finished goods from machines and transport them to designated areas.
• Maintain neat, secure, and safe stacks of stock in storage areas.
• Maintain accurate stock location records using both paperwork and computer systems.
• Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed.
• Follow the daily production schedule and make recommendations to improve efficiency, cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Assist other team members as needed.
• Complete required reports accurately and promptly.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, safety rules, and housekeeping standards.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Forklift driving required; experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment or heavy equipment operation preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read tape measures and perform basic math calculations with speed and accuracy including percentages, measurement, volume, and rate.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Understanding of equipment design, capabilities, product layouts, and production specifications that can be translated into efficient operation.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing systems and shop floor software.
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and quality standards.
• Flexibility to work varied hours as needed.
• Ability to work in fast-paced indoor/outdoor environments.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs or ramps, and operating equipment. Tasks may also involve pushing, pulling, carrying, and fine or gross motor manipulation. Visual and auditory abilities required include near and far vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to hear and understand speech. Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Health and Safety

All employees are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and participating in the identification and elimination of workplace hazards.