Industrial Forklift Operator

JGM; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision & Dental

Paid time off

401(k) match

Life insurance

Disability

Employee assistance

Referral program

Training support

Free lunch

Overtime

Career growth

PPE provided

Job summary

JGM is seeking an experienced Industrial Forklift Operator for our outdoor fabrication yard in Coatesville, PA. You will operate heavy-capacity forklifts to load, unload, and transport steel and materials in all weather.

This full-time, first-shift role requires 2+ years forklift experience, safety focus, OSHA 10 training (or willing to obtain), and a high school diploma or GED. We offer comprehensive benefits and steady year-round work.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of forklift experience, ideally with 10,000+ lb capacity and moving oversized loads.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions in a heavy industrial yard.
• Strong safety mindset and proper PPE usage at all times.
• Willingness to complete OSHA 10 training on hire.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Reliable, self-motivated and able to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy-capacity forklifts outdoors to load, unload, and transport steel and materials.
• Sort, stage, and organize cargo to support production flow.
• Position and stack loads accurately in tight or high-traffic areas.
• Move materials between storage, staging, and production zones.
• Load/unload trucks and verify materials against paperwork.
• Label and track materials for easy identification.
• Perform pre- and post-shift inspections and report issues.
• Follow work orders and verbal instructions on schedule.
• Remain vigilant for hazards around equipment and personnel.

Skills

Forklift experience

Safety mindset

OSHA 10 training

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

JGM is looking for an experienced Industrial Forklift Operator to join our team at our heavy industrial steel fabrication plant. This is an outdoor position — you'll be operating equipment in our fabrication yard, not an indoor warehouse. If you know your way around a forklift, don't mind working outside in all conditions, take safety seriously, and want steady work with a company that invests in its people, we'd like to talk to you.

Location: Coatesville, PA

Schedule: Full-time, first shift, Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with optional Saturday shifts based on workload.

What You'll Do

• Operate Heavy-Capacity Forklifts Outdoors – Safely load, unload, and transport structural steel, stock, and materials throughout our outdoor yard.
• Material Handling & Organization – Sort, stage, and organize cargo and materials so the next stage of production never misses a beat.
• Precision Placement – Position and stack heavy or oversized loads accurately, including in tight or high-traffic areas.
• Support Production Flow – Move materials between storage, staging, and production zones so the line never has to wait on you.
• Load & Unload Trucks – Safely load outgoing shipments and unload incoming deliveries, verifying materials against paperwork.
• Tag & Track – Label and mark materials clearly so everything is easy to identify and trace.
• Pre- and Post-Shift Inspections – Check your equipment before and after use, reporting any mechanical issues right away.
• Follow the Plan – Execute work orders and verbal instructions accurately and on schedule.
• Keep an Eye Out – Watch for load shifts, hazards, and other equipment/personnel in the area at all times.

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of forklift experience required, ideally with heavier-capacity equipment (10,000+ lb capacity) and experience moving oversized or awkward loads such as structural steel
• Comfortable working outdoors, in all weather conditions, in an active heavy industrial yard
• Strong safety mindset — you use the right gear and follow protocol, every time
• Willingness to complete OSHA 10 training upon hire (or current certification a plus)
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work well as part of a team

Benefits & JGM Perks

JGM offers a comprehensive benefits package and additional programs designed to support our employees both on and off the job:

• Medical, Vision & Dental Coverage
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Training and Continuing Education Support
• Free Lunch Every Other Friday
• Daily Vending Machine Card
• Steady, Full-Time, Year-Round Work with Overtime
• Opportunities to Build Your Skills and Grow Within the Company
• Company-Provided Personal Protective Equipment

The Work Environment

This role is based entirely outdoors in our fabrication yard at a heavy industrial steel plant — this is not an indoor warehouse position. You'll be operating equipment in all weather conditions, working around heavy materials and industrial machinery. We provide the PPE — gloves, hardhats, protective suits, and respiratory protection as needed — and we expect everyone on our team to look out for their own safety and the safety of the people working alongside them.

Important: This is a safety-sensitive position. In accordance with JGM's safety policy and applicable regulations, individuals actively using medical marijuana are not eligible for this role. All candidates must pass a drug screening, including testing for marijuana, prior to starting employment.

This job description may be updated based on business needs and is not all-inclusive.

JGM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.