Forklift Operator - Lumber Yard (Day/Night Shifts)

compassbusinesssolutionsinc; Plain Dealing (LA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Plain Dealing Lumber is seeking a Forklift Operator to maintain smooth material flow across mill, yard, and shipping areas in Plain Dealing, LA. The role requires operating forklifts, loading/unloading, and coordinating with teams to meet schedules.

The position is a 1st or 2nd shift, offering an hourly rate of $18.50 and training for certification. The environment is outdoor, physically demanding, with exposure to heat, dust, and noise, and requires strict safety practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid forklift certification or ability to obtain PDL certification; training provided.
• Prior forklift or similar industrial equipment experience preferred.
• Ability to read basic shipping documents, labels, and product specifications with strong attention to detail and safety.
• Ability to work in outdoor and industrial conditions, including varying weather, noise, and dust, with flexibility for rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts and other material‑handling equipment to load, unload, move, and stage lumber and other materials.
• Stack, sort, and organize lumber and finished products according to grade, size, and order requirements.
• Transport materials between production areas, yard storage, and shipping and receiving areas to support efficient production flow.
• Load and unload trucks and railcars, verifying product type, quantities, and destinations against shipping and production documentation.
• Complete pre-shift and post-shift forklift inspections, checking tires, forks, fluids, and safety equipment and reporting maintenance needs promptly.
• Maintain accurate material and inventory placement and assist with cycle counts and physical inventory as needed.
• Follow all forklift and workplace safety requirements, including speed limits, load capacities, pedestrian right-of-way, and required PPE.
• Keep forklift travel paths, yard areas, and workspaces clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Communicate with supervisors, equipment operators, and production teams to coordinate material movement and prevent delays.
• Assist with general yard, mill housekeeping, and manual material-handling tasks as needed.
• Promptly report accidents, near-misses, safety concerns, and equipment malfunctions to a supervisor.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Attention to detail

Reading shipping documents

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Education

Forklift certification

Job description

Plain Dealing Lumber is seeking a Forklift Operator to maintain smooth material flow across mill, yard, and shipping areas in Plain Dealing, LA. The role requires operating forklifts, loading/unloading, and coordinating with teams to meet schedules.

The position is a 1st or 2nd shift, offering an hourly rate of $18.50 and training for certification. The environment is outdoor, physically demanding, with exposure to heat, dust, and noise, and requires strict safety practices.