Material Handler – Forklift Operator

AOC Metal Works; Chester (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

AOC Metal Works in Virginia is seeking a Welding - Forklift Operator to support the Welding Department by moving materials, assisting with welding operations, and keeping the work area organized. You will operate a forklift to move steel and parts throughout the facility and assist welders as needed.

This hands-on role requires dependability, safety awareness, and the ability to work around welding equipment and industrial machinery.

Qualifications

• Previous forklift experience required.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Able to work in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Welders with preparation and movement of materials.
• Operate a forklift to move steel, parts, and other materials.
• Stage materials at welding workstations according to production needs.
• Load and unload materials using forklift and other equipment.
• Help position, hold, and secure materials for welding operations.
• Supply Welders with materials, tools, and equipment as needed.
• Maintain clean and organized welding work areas.
• Report damaged materials, equipment problems, or unsafe conditions.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety procedures

Material handling

Team player

Attention to detail

Tools

Forklift operation knowledge

Job description

Welding - Forklift Operator

Department: Welding

Reports To: Welding Supervisor / Manager

Position Summary

The Welding Helper supports Welders and the Welding Department by preparing and moving materials, assisting with welding operations, and keeping the work area supplied and organized. This position will use a forklift to safely move steel, parts, and other materials throughout the Welding Department and designated areas of the facility. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, comfortable working in a manufacturing environment, and has previous forklift experience. This is a hands‑on position that involves frequent standing, walking, lifting, material handling, and working around welding equipment and other industrial machinery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Welders with the preparation and movement of materials, parts, and components.
• Operate a forklift to move steel, fabricated parts, and other materials as needed.
• Stage materials and parts at welding workstations according to production requirements.
• Load and unload materials using a forklift and other approved material‑handling equipment.
• Help position, hold, and secure materials and parts for welding operations as directed.
• Supply Welders with the materials, tools, and equipment needed to complete assigned work.
• Perform basic material preparation, including cleaning, grinding, deburring, and removing excess material as directed.
• Assist with moving completed parts and assemblies to designated areas.
• Maintain an organized and safe work area around welding stations.
• Keep work areas supplied with necessary materials and remove scrap and waste materials as required.
• Identify and report damaged materials, equipment problems, or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, including required PPE.
• Follow instructions from Welders, supervisors, and other members of the Welding team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating a forklift and a working knowledge of safe forklift operation.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic forklift operating and safety procedures.
• Ability to safely operate or learn to operate the forklifts and other material‑handling equipment used in the department.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work safely around welding operations, moving equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Reliable attendance and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, lift, and carry materials.
• Ability to lift and move materials as required for the position.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift while maintaining awareness of surrounding employees and equipment.
• Ability to work around heat, sparks, welding fumes, noise, dust, and other conditions commonly found in a welding/manufacturing environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Forklift Requirements

Forklift experience is required for this position. Candidates must have previous experience operating a forklift and demonstrate a basic understanding of safe forklift operation. All employees who operate forklifts or other powered industrial trucks at AOC Metal Works must successfully complete the Company's required OSHA-compliant training and workplace evaluation before operating equipment independently.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is an essential responsibility of this position. Employees are expected to follow all Company safety policies, wear required personal protective equipment, operate forklifts and other equipment safely, remain aware of surrounding operations, and immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, accidents, or near‑miss incidents to management.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AOC Metal Works is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.