Forklift Operator - Chicago, IL

Watco Transloading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco Transloading in the Chicago area is seeking a forklift operator. You will operate 5k-8k capacity forklifts, load/unload materials, maintain a clean dock, and perform general labor tasks. Heavy equipment experience is a plus and safety PPE is required.

The role offers a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:00 to 3:30 with competitive hourly pay and opportunities for advancement. Prior forklift experience and a strong safety mindset are highly valued at Watco.

Qualifications

• Must pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location.
• Knowledge of weight limits, load distribution, and material storage protocols.
• 3 years of experience working with or around forklifts, with safe load handling and maneuvering in confined spaces preferred.
• Basic mechanical skills with equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance preferred.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) or handheld scanners preferred.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance.
• Flexible schedule including day and night shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays as required.
• Forklift Operator certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts 5k-8k capacity.
• Perform inspections of equipment prior to use and during use as needed.
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
• Communicate with stakeholders throughout the shift.
• Wear all Watco and OSHA mandated PPE.
• Work with a team, take direction and follow work rules, and take on additional duties as needed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of company safety programs.

Skills

Safety mindset

Team player

Adaptable

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Tools

WMS

Handheld scanners

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco .

Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation andbenefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco'sSafe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Hourly Pay Rate: $23.62 - $33.75 (dependent on years of experience)

Schedule: M-F, 7:00 to 3:30pm

Seeking candidates with experience operating 5,000 to 8,000 lb. capacity forklifts. Responsibilities include dock work, loading and unloading materials, maintaining clean and organized dock areas, and performing general labor duties such as sweeping and other physical tasks. Heavy equipment experience is a plus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts 5k-8k capacity
• Perform inspections of equipment being utilized prior to use and during use as needed
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence
• Communicates with operational stake holders throughout shift
• Wearing all Watco and OSHA mandated personal protective equipment
• Able to work with a team, take direction and follow work rules, as well as take on additional job responsibilities as needed
• Demonstrate knowledge of company safety programs

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Knowledge of weight limits, load distribution, and material storage protocols
• 3 years of experience working with or around forklifts, with demonstrated skill in safe load handling, stacking, and maneuvering in confined spaces preferred
• Basic mechanical skills with knowledge of equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance preferred
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) or handheld scanners preferred
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including day and night shifts, with availability for overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs
• Forklift Operator certification preferred