Industrial Forklift Operator

Interfor; Thomaston (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Short Term Disability Insurance

Life and AD&D Insurance

HSA Medical Plan

401(k) Matching Plan

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Training and Development Opportunities

Access to wages ahead of payday

Quarterly performance-based bonus

Job summary

Interfor seeks a dependable forklift operator to safely move lumber and support kiln operations at our Thomaston, CT facility.

You will perform routine inspections, unload and load lumber, and help with preventive maintenance while following Interfor and OSHA standards.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and forklift certification, with strong teamwork and safety focus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification through a standard training course.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations, following established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts in compliance with Interfor and OSHA standards, including proper seatbelt use on all mobile equipment.
• Unload dry kilns and store lumber in designated areas, ensuring all units and stacks are stable, secure, and properly supported.
• Load green lumber onto tracks for timely kiln charging to minimize kiln downtime.
• Push in and pull out kiln charges with care, preventing equipment damage and ensuring all baffles and doors are properly secured and positioned.
• Load weights and/or rebar on lumber packs prior to placement on CDK and/or batch kiln trams.
• Inspect each lumber pack or stack before loading onto CDK or batch kiln trams to prevent equipment damage.
• Assist with loading and unloading lumber trucks, safely transporting lumber from decks, yards, stackers, or trucks to the proper storage locations.
• Ensure kiln carts are in good repair and correctly aligned on tracks.
• Perform routine greasing of kiln carts—weekly for batch kilns and daily for CDK kilns.
• Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.
• Complete daily checklists and required documentation accurately and on time.
• Store green lumber in designated areas, ensuring units and stacks are stable and not at risk of tipping.
• Rotate green lumber as needed to prevent stain and promote uniform drying.
• Perform daily pre-shift forklift inspections.
• Clean forklifts regularly using a pressure washer.
• Assist with tire changes and other preventive maintenance tasks as required.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by your direct supervisor or mill leadership.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, sit, climb, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to safety

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma/Equivalent

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Safely operate forklifts in compliance with all Interfor and OSHA standards, including proper seatbelt use on all mobile equipment.
• Unload dry kilns and store lumber in designated areas, ensuring all units and stacks are stable, secure, and properly supported.
• Load green lumber onto tracks for timely kiln charging to minimize kiln downtime.
• Push in and pull out kiln charges with care, preventing equipment damage and ensuring all baffles and doors are properly secured and positioned.
• Load weights and/or rebar on lumber packs prior to placement on CDK and/or batch kiln trams.
• Inspect each lumber pack or stack before loading onto CDK or batch kiln trams to prevent equipment damage.
• Assist with loading and unloading lumber trucks, safely transporting lumber from decks, yards, stackers, or trucks to the proper storage locations.
• Ensure kiln carts are in good repair and correctly aligned on tracks.
• Perform routine greasing of kiln carts—weekly for batch kilns and daily for CDK kilns.
• Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.
• Complete daily checklists and required documentation accurately and on time.
• Store green lumber in designated areas, ensuring units and stacks are stable and not at risk of tipping.
• Rotate green lumber as needed to prevent stain and promote uniform drying.
• Perform daily pre-shift forklift inspections.
• Clean forklifts regularly using a pressure washer.
• Assist with tire changes and other preventive maintenance tasks as required.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by your direct supervisor or mill leadership.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, stand, sit, climb, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.

What You Offer

• High School Diploma/Equivalent preferred.
  
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification through a standard training course.
  
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with team members and supervisors.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations, following established procedures.

What We Offer

• Group Benefit Programs (Employee Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
  
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
    
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
    
  • Additional (Employee Paid) Life Insurance
    
• HSA Medical Plan
  
• 401(k) Matching Plan
  
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
  
• Employee Assistance Program
  
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Instant access to your wages ahead of payday
• Quarterly performance-based bonus opportunity

Who We Are

Interfor is one of the largest forest products companies in the world and we’re growing in exciting directions. With our industry leading training programs and track record of promoting from within, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to #StartHereGoFar.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants offered a position must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and background check. Interfor is an Equal Opportunity Employer building a capable, committed, diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.