Forklift Operator - Manufacturing

G.Z.Q.S.O.; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two weeks paid vacation

Paid holidays

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance (Dent

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance (Vis

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance (Life

Job summary

G.Z.Q.S.O. is hiring qualified Forklift Operators at our Sterling Heights facility to support daily manufacturing and warehouse operations.

Responsibilities include operating diesel or propane forklifts, performing safety checks, loading/unloading shipments, and maintaining accurate production records. Must have forklift experience and excellent safety awareness; wear PPE and work in varying temperatures.

Qualifications

• Previous forklift operating experience required.
• Ability to follow safety policies and wear PPE.
• Reading/writing/speaking English required.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts safely following safety policies.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Transport palletized materials within warehouse/storage.
• Replenish production supplies and packaging materials.
• Load trucks according to customer orders and shipping docs.
• Stack pallets and ensure proper alignment and stability.
• Inspect bags and materials for quality before movement.
• Record production and operational data accurately.
• Report safety or quality concerns to supervisor.

Skills

Forklift experience

Safety awareness

PPE compliance

English proficiency

Temperatures adaptable

Lifting capability 20–50 lbs

Tools

Diesel forklifts

Propane forklifts

Telescopic forklifts

Job description

Forklift Operator

Pay Rates:

• 1st Shift: $17.50/hour
• 2nd Shift: $17.50/hour + $1.50 shift premium ($19.00/hour)
• Pay Increase: Additional $1.25/hour after 90 days of employment.

Available Shifts:

• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: 6:00 PM - 2:30 AM

Location: 18.5 Mile Road, near Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI

Overtime & Weekends: May be required depending on production needs.

We are seeking experienced and dependable Forklift Operators to support daily manufacturing and warehouse operations. Employees will operate diesel- or propane-powered forklifts and telescopic forklifts to unload incoming materials and supplies, transport palletized bagged products from conveyor lines to designated storage areas, and load flatbed and box trucks for outgoing shipments using portable loading ramps or ground-level loading areas.

The ideal candidate must have previous forklift operating experience, a strong commitment to workplace safety, and the ability to handle materials efficiently while maintaining product quality and supporting daily production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts safely and efficiently while following all established safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and perform basic maintenance as needed.
• Transport palletized materials throughout the warehouse and storage facility.
• Replenish production supplies, including bagging film, stretch wrap, top sheets, bottom sheets, pallets, labels, and other necessary consumables.
• Follow shipping instructions and ensure trucks are loaded with the correct materials according to customer orders.
• Move, organize, and stack pallets in their designated storage locations.
• Lift and position boards between pallets during stacking operations.
• Ensure pallet stacks are properly aligned, stable, and safely secured.
• Handle palletized products carefully to prevent damage to bags and materials.
• Inspect bagged products to ensure they meet established quality standards.
• Complete all tasks in accordance with approved work procedures and operational guidelines.
• Replace propane tanks or refuel forklifts with diesel, depending on the equipment type.
• Maintain accurate production and operational records.
• Immediately report any safety, quality, productivity, or workplace concerns to the Supervisor.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

• Previous forklift operating experience is required.
• Strong awareness of workplace safety and the ability to operate equipment responsibly to prevent injuries to yourself and others.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toed shoes and safety glasses.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including indoor production and warehouse environments as well as outdoor conditions throughout the year.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry 20-25 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Two weeks of paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance coverage, including:
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance