Logistics Heavy Duty Forklift Operator

Kuehne+Nagel; West Jefferson (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel is hiring Heavy-Duty Forklift Operators for our West Jefferson, OH location. You will operate high-capacity forklifts, move oversized loads, and support inbound/outbound operations in a safety-first 3PL environment.

We seek 2–3+ years of forklift experience, OSHA certification, and knowledge of load charts and safe lifting practices. Familiarity with WMS systems and the ability to work across multiple shifts are preferred.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years forklift operation experience, including heavy-duty equipment.
• OSHA-compliant forklift certification is required.
• Knowledge of load charts, stability principles, and safe lifting practices.
• Ability to operate in tight or congested warehouse environments.
• Strong commitment to safety, communication, and equipment care.
• Experience in heavy industrial or 3PL warehouse environments preferred.
• Experience handling oversized, hazardous, or high-value materials.
• Familiarity with WMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate high-capacity forklifts to safely lift, transport, stage, and position oversized, heavy, or irregular loads.
• Verify load weight, balance, and center of gravity, using attachments such as fork extensions, booms, or clamps when required.
• Follow OSHA regulations, site safety procedures, heavy-lift protocols, and participate in daily safety meetings and briefings.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections, document findings, and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Coordinate with supervisors, spotters, riggers, and warehouse personnel to support inbound/outbound operations and ensure the safe movement of materials.
• Identify and elevate unsafe conditions, maintain accurate equipment and movement records, and stop work when safety risks are present.

Skills

Forklift operation

OSHA certification

Load charts

Warehouse environment

Safety culture

Heavy industry experience

Hazardous materials

WMS familiarity

Tools

WMS

Job description

It\'s more than a job

As part of the Contract Logistics team at Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in designing, managing, and optimizing solutions that keep goods moving efficiently. Whether you’re leading a team, engineering processes, or driving projects, your work ensures that our customers’ products are stored, handled, and delivered with precision. From everyday essentials to seasonal items, what we do in Contract Logistics impacts businesses and communities around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, your contribution goes far beyond the warehouse—it helps shape the flow of global trade.

Build Your Career Moving What Matters

At Kuehne+Nagel, our Heavy-Duty Forklift Operators are trusted professionals who keep operations moving safely and efficiently. Using high-capacity forklifts and specialized material-handling equipment, you'll support the movement of oversized cargo while working in a safety-first environment that values teamwork, reliability, and opportunities for growth. Come join us at our new West Jefferson location on South Preston Rd. Multiple shifts available.

How you create impact

• Operate high-capacity forklifts to safely lift, transport, stage, and position oversized, heavy, or irregular loads.
• Verify load weight, balance, and center of gravity, using appropriate attachments such as fork extensions, booms, or clamps when required.
• Follow OSHA regulations, site safety procedures, heavy-lift protocols, and participate in daily safety meetings and briefings.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections, document findings, and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Coordinate with supervisors, spotters, riggers, and warehouse personnel to support inbound/outbound operations and ensure the safe movement of materials.
• Identify and elevate unsafe conditions, maintain accurate equipment and movement records, and stop work when safety risks are present.

What we would like you to bring

• 2-3+ years of forklift operation experience, including heavy-duty or high-capacity equipment
• OSHA-compliant forklift certification
• Strong understanding of load charts, stability principles, and safe lifting practices
• Ability to operate in tight or congested warehouse environments
• Strong commitment to safety, communication, and equipment care
• Experience in heavy industrial or 3PL warehouse environments is preferred
• Experience handling oversized, hazardous, or high-value materials
• Familiarity with WMS systems

What's in it for you

Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. Base wage is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data.

LI# On-Site

Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

Individuals with a disability who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process may contact us by sending an email to kn.taaccommodations.com

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

may be used to support portions of the recruitment process, such as reviewing application materials or assisting with scheduling. These tools analyze information to help inform decision making; however, all hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

This position relates to an available role and not a future talent pool.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life‑saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

Kuehne+Nagel is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (\"EEO\") and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and unlawful retaliation. Kuehne+Nagel strictly prohibits all discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religious creed or belief, physical or mental disability, marital or familial status, legally protected medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sexual orientation, citizenship status, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment. Kuehne+Nagel will also make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees, including accommodations for pregnancy and childbirth, and for the sincerely held religious beliefs of applicants and employees depending upon individual circumstances unless such accommodation would create an undue hardship on Kuehne+Nagel.