Forklift Operator - Immediately Hiring

Express Employment Professionals; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals in Abilene, TX seeks a reliable forklift operator to safely move structural steel components in a busy fabrication yard and warehouse. The role demands precision with long loads, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to work outdoors in an industrial setting.

You'll operate various forklifts, load and unload materials, assist with rigging when needed, maintain clean work areas, and perform standard pre- and post-operation inspections.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• OSHA-compliant forklift certification required; experience with heavy-capacity or rough-terrain forklifts a plus.
• Minimum 2-3 years of forklift operation experience in a manufacturing, fabrication shop, steel yard, or similar heavy industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down/stand-up forklifts (18,000+ lb) to move steel materials through the facility and yard.
• Load/unload trucks and trailers, securing and balancing loads.
• Move raw materials to production areas and ship finished products to storage or shipping zones.
• Stack and organize steel by piece marks and inventory needs.
• Perform daily forklift inspections and report issues.
• Assist with rigging and material handling with fabricators and yard staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow FIFO procedures.
• Follow OSHA safety regulations and PPE requirements.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Material handling

Blueprint reading

Rigging

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead cranes

Rigging equipment

Job description

We are seeking a reliable and experienced Forklift. The ideal candidate will be responsible for safely operating forklifts to move, load, unload, and organize heavy structural steel materials, including beams, columns, plates, and fabricated components in a fast-paced fabrication yard and warehouse environment. This role requires strong attention to safety, precision in handling long and heavy loads, and the ability to work in an industrial setting with exposure to outdoor conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate sit-down, stand-up, or heavy-capacity forklifts (e.g., 18,000+ lb diesel-powered) to transport structural steel materials throughout the facility, yard, and loading areas.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and flatbeds with steel beams, piping, and fabricated components, ensuring proper securing and balancing of loads.
• Move raw materials to production areas and transport finished products to storage or shipping zones.
• Stack and organize steel materials based on piece marks, load lists, and inventory requirements to optimize space and accessibility.
• Perform double-picking or coordinated lifts with other operators for oversized or heavy loads.
• Conduct daily pre- and post-operation inspections of forklift equipment, including checking fluid levels, tires, and batteries; report any issues or maintenance needs.
• Assist in rigging and material handling as needed, collaborating with fabricators, welders, and yard personnel.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices.
• Adhere to all OSHA safety regulations, company protocols, and use required PPE (e.g., hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, gloves).
• Assist with basic inventory counts, labeling, and documentation of materials moved.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid forklift certification (OSHA-compliant) required; experience with heavy-capacity or rough-terrain forklifts a plus.
• Minimum 2-3 years of forklift operation experience in a manufacturing, fabrication shop, steel yard, or similar heavy industrial environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in structural steel fabrication or construction environments.
• Familiarity with overhead cranes, rigging, or other material handling equipment.
• Ability to read basic blueprints or load lists.