Forklift Operator - Urgent Hire

Express Employment Professionals; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals in Abilene, TX seeks a reliable forklift operator to move, load, unload, and organize heavy structural steel in a fast-paced fabrication yard. You will perform daily inspections, comply with OSHA safety regulations, and assist with material handling and inventory control. High school diploma and OSHA forklift certification required; 2–3 years' experience preferred.

This on-site role offers steady hours in a manufacturing setting with outdoor conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid forklift certification (OSHA-compliant) required.
• 2–3 years of forklift operation in heavy industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate sit-down, stand-up, or heavy-capacity forklifts to transport steel materials within the facility and yard.
• Load/unload trucks and ensure loads are secure and balanced.
• Move materials to production areas and to storage or shipping zones.
• Organize materials by piece marks and inventory requirements.
• Conduct daily pre- and post-operation forklift inspections and report issues.
• Assist with rigging and material handling as needed; maintain clean work areas.
• Follow FIFO inventory practices and OSHA safety regulations.

Skills

Forklift operation

OSHA safety

Team coordination

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead cranes knowledge

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.