Load Turner

Smurfit Westrock plc; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Life and disability insurance

Short-term bonus incentive

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc in New Jersey is hiring for a forklift operator to move pallets through the aerator and prepare loads for presses. The role requires forklift experience, prefers clamp truck skills, and overtime may be required. You will keep the work area clean and assist on presses, sheeters, and in the supply room.

The job offers a starting pay rate of $18.00 per hour, with benefits and regular scheduling considerations based on location and role.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a forklift.
• Experience operating a clamp truck is preferred.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Runs pallets of paper through aerator. (Loads a pallet of paper (often from a vendor or previous process). Turns the pallet over so the correct side faces the feeding direction. Aerates the load by moving air through the stack, often with vibration to help sheets separate and align. Centers the pallet for smooth feeding into the next stage of production).
• Ensures loads are ready for the presses when needed.
• Ensures loads are ready for outside services when needed.
• Keeps floor neat.
• Assists on press when needed.
• Assists on sheeter when needed.
• Keeps supply room organized.
• Keeps chemicals in order.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift operation

Clamp truck experience

Overtime willingness

Ability to perform essential functions

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Put pallets of paper through the aerator and move completed pallets to the presses.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Runs pallets of paper through aerator. (Loads a pallet of paper (often from a vendor or previous process). Turns the pallet over so the correct side faces the feeding direction. Aerates the load by moving air through the stack, often with vibration to help sheets separate and align. Centers the pallet for smooth feeding into the next stage of production).
• Ensures loads are ready for the presses when needed.
• Ensures loads are ready for outside services when needed.
• Keeps floor neat.
• Assists on press when needed.
• Assists on sheeter when needed.
• Keeps supply room organized.
• Keeps chemicals in order.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience operating a forklift.
• Experience operating a clamp truck is preferred.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee is required to: stand, be mobile, talk, see and hear.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

The starting rate is $18.00 and up per hour, depending on your role, level, experience, and location. The benefits for this role may include:

• short-term bonus incentive
• health, dental and vision insurance
• flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts
• retirement savings plans
• life and disability insurance programs
• paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law
• 10 days of paid vacation
• 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change

Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. The application window is expected to close by 9/28/2026.

Shift:

2nd shift 3:30 pm to 12 am

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.