Rough Terrain Forklift Operator

Ames Construction, Inc.; Clyde (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support our heavy civil and industrial projects in Clyde, NC. You will operate rough terrain forklifts, stage materials, and assist with jobsite logistics in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include daily equipment inspections, load handling, and coordinating with supervisors and crews to keep workflows safe and efficient. Valid forklift certification required; experience on rough terrain equipment preferred.

Qualifications

• Valid forklift certification (rough terrain or telehandler preferred).
• Experience operating a rough terrain forklift in construction, industrial, or outdoor environments.
• Strong knowledge of equipment safety protocols.
• Ability to read load charts, understand weight limits, and perform basic mechanical checks.

Responsibilities

• Operate rough terrain forklifts to transport materials such as lumber, pallets, equipment, and jobsite supplies.
• Maneuver equipment safely over uneven, sloped, or unpaved surfaces.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and storage areas while ensuring load stability and proper weight distribution.
• Inspect materials prior to movement to prevent damage.

Skills

Forklift operation

Rough terrain forklift

Safety protocols

Load charts reading

Job description

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed.

We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of.

When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success – where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate rough terrain forklifts to transport materials such as lumber, pallets, equipment, and jobsite supplies.
• Maneuver equipment safely over uneven, sloped, or unpaved surfaces.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and storage areas while ensuring load stability and proper weight distribution.
• Inspect materials prior to movement to prevent damage.

Safety & Compliance

• Perform daily equipment inspections and report any mechanical issues immediately.
• Follow all OSHA, company, and site‑specific safety regulations.
• Use proper lifting, load‑securement, and hazard‑awareness practices.
• Maintain clean work areas by removing debris, organizing materials, and securing loads.

Material Handling & Jobsite Support

• Stage materials in designated areas for crews based on jobsite needs and schedules.
• Assist with inventory counts, material tracking, and documentation.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, subcontractors, and team members to support workflow.
• Provide general labor support when equipment operation is not required.

Qualifications

Required

• Valid forklift certification (rough terrain or telehandler certification preferred). Or be able to be effectively certified in house.
• Previous experience operating a rough terrain forklift in construction, industrial, or outdoor environments.
• Strong knowledge of equipment safety protocols.
• Ability to read load charts, understand weight limits, and perform basic mechanical checks.

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.