Forklift Operator / Baler

Goodwill Industries International, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

HRA

Dental plans

Vision plan

401K

Life insurance

EAP

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Goodwill of Monocacy Valley in Frederick, MD is seeking a forklift operator to load, unload, and bale donated goods while adhering to safety policies. You will operate baling machines and transport materials using a sit-down forklift, ensuring proper load handling and equipment safety.

The role requires forklift certification or willingness to obtain it, English proficiency, and the ability to pass a background check. Starting pay is $16.50 per hour with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Must possess a Forklift Certification Certificate or be able to pass our Forklift Certification class.
• Ability to speak and read English proficiently.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable for position.

Responsibilities

• Safeguards company property, including donated goods.
• Reports any incidents of theft or misappropriation or unauthorized possession of company property.
• Safeguards equipment including forklifts and bale machines.
• Responsible for clearing debris or material that will damage equipment.
• Ensures proper load handling and that each machine is in working order to safely operate.
• May be cross-trained to provide support to all departments in the ROC, including processing donations.
• Performs pre-shift forklift inspections and follows safety procedures.
• Follows Lockout/Tagout procedure if equipment is unsafe or inoperable.

Skills

Forklift Certification

Training readiness

English proficiency

18 years or older

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Job description

4910 Executive Ct Frederick Maryland, 21703, Starting Pay: $16.50 Hourly

Position Description: Operates various equipment to include baling machines to produce bales for sale to salvage or recycle vendors and responsible for transporting materials utilizing a sit-down forklift. Must adhere to all safety policies and wearing all required personal protective equipment at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safeguards company property, including donated goods.
• Reports any incidents of theft or misappropriation or unauthorized possession of company property.
• Safeguards equipment including forklifts and bale machines.
• Responsible for clearing debris or material that will damage equipment.
• Ensures proper load handling and that each machine is in working order to safely operate.
• Takes direction from leadership with a positive attitude.
• May be cross‑trained to provide support to all departments in the Retail Operations Center (ROC), including processing donations.
• Responsible for following and ensuring all safety rules are complied with and appropriate safety equipment is used.
• Immediately takes action and/or reports any unsafe or potential hazards.
• Manually transfers donated goods from Gaylord (merchandise container) to baling machine.
• Operates baling machine to compress goods into bales.
• Loads and unloads merchandise containers from trailers and straight trucks, ensuring safety at all times.
• Operates hydraulic lift and/or pallet jack to move merchandise containers.
• Performs pre‑shift forklift and tipper machine inspection, to include fluid checks, safety precautions, etc.
• Follows Lockout/Tagout procedure if equipment is deemed unsafe or inoperable and notifies leadership.
• Performs visual inspection of contents and manually removes any breakable materials.
• Sweeps and/or dusts daily.
• Sweeps and mops floors, and washes walls around baling machines, as directed.
• Must follow daily product placement plan schematic.
• Maintains regular and consistent in‑person attendance.
• Models Goodwill Core Values – Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Must possess a Forklift Certification Certificate or be able to pass our Forklift Certification class.
• Ability to be trained and take direction.
• Ability to speak and read English proficiently.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable for position.

Total Rewards Package

• 3 Medical Plans.
• Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• 3 Dental Plans.
• Vision Plan.
• 401K Traditional and Roth Plans.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid Time Off; Sick and Vacation.
• Paid Holidays.

Our mission is: Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Families, and Building Stronger Communities.

Our core values are Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation. Everything we accomplish as a team is centered around these core values.

Together, we create an inclusive and welcoming environment for each other.

With stores conveniently located near you, you can work for a company where team strength and success are valued and encouraged.

Join our team and gain opportunities for job growth at Goodwill and beyond.

Goodwill of Monocacy Valley is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race (including traits associated with race, e.g., hairstyles), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, military status, age, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state and local fair employment practice laws. Individuals with a disability may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or state or local laws.

Please contact Goodwill of Monocacy Valley at 1-833-624-0920 option 6 or [e-mail] if you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For questions about your application or employment with Goodwill of Monocacy Valley, please contact our Candidate Support Line at 1-833-624-0920, option 5.