Yardman/Machine Operator

Mi-Jack Products; Monee (IL); On-site; USD 31,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits (medical, Rx, 6

Dental, vision, life, 401(k)

Job summary

Mi-Jack Products is seeking a Yardman/Machine Operator in our Illinois facility to safely move raw materials, subassemblies, and completed machinery throughout the yard and between departments. You will operate forklifts, gantry cranes, and yard trucks, ensuring loads are secured and yard layout remains organized for efficient production and shipping.

The role requires 1–2 years of heavy equipment experience, a valid forklift certification, and strong safety discipline.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of experience operating heavy equipment.
• Valid forklift certification; telehandlers/large-capacity lifts preferred.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, shipping documents, and inventory tags.
• Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical assemblies.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to procedures.
• Ability to communicate across leadership teams.
• Color vision to identify color-coded materials.
• Understanding of SPC fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, gantry cranes, hostlers, and yard trucks safely.
• Load and unload materials and move machinery between areas.
• Inspect equipment daily and report issues.
• Maintain clean, organized yard to maximize safety.
• Tag and organize materials according to job numbers.
• Support staging of parts for work orders.
• Participate in safety programs and strive for zero incidents.
• Return equipment to proper yard locations and document returns.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

Skills

Forklift operation

Crane operation

Load balancing

Safety compliance

Reading work orders

Communication

Color vision

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Gantry Cranes

Hostlers

Yard trucks

Telehandlers

Job description

The Yardman/Machine Operator safely and efficiently moves raw materials, subassemblies, and completed machinery throughout the yard and between departments, ensuring inventory is organized, accessible, and delivered promptly to production or shipping areas. The role also maintains a clean, hazard-free yard while operating forklifts, Gantry Cranes, and Hostlers.

Essential Functions:

• Safely operates forklifts, Gantry Cranes, Hostlers, or yard trucks to transport heavy components and equipment.
• Secure and balance loads to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
• Performs daily inspection and maintenance on yard equipment and tools.
• Participate in safety programs to work towards a goal of zero incidents or injuries.
• Load and unload flatbeds, trailers, and vendor deliveries of raw materials and fabricated parts.
• Move completed machines or assemblies to staging, storage, or shipping areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and accessible yard layout to maximize efficiency and minimize hazards.
• Assist in the staging of parts and kits for manufacturing work orders.
• Tag, label, and organize incoming and outgoing material based on job numbers or production needs.
• Visually inspect equipment prior to shipment.
• Inspection of equipment on all returns, noting any lost and/or damaged equipment on the return paperwork not previously noted.
• Return equipment to the proper yard location (i.e. maintenance, damaged, rental ready, etc.).
• Special projects or work as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of heavy equipment, crane operations, and mechanical systems; Understands industry regulations, safety standards, and best practices; Troubleshoots and maintains heavy equipment and crane systems
• Valid forklift certification; experience with large-capacity lifts and telehandlers preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, shipping documents, and inventory tags.
• Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical assemblies and rigging of components.
• Prioritizes tasks effectively to meet project deadlines; Manages workload efficiently, minimizing downtime; works with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy and quality
• Ability to clearly communicate between multiple leadership teams and departments for product delivery.
• Ability to recognize all colors in a normal spectrum.
• Basic knowledge of SPC fundamentals.

Required Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or GED

1-2 years experience with operating heavy equipment with the ability to read/ interpret parts/ service manuals.

This is a production classification and employees work in a factory or warehouse environment with exposure to noise and machinery. The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

We foster a collaborative team environment that values innovation and encourages creative solutions to drive positive organizational impact. Our employees are the key to our success and help us stand out from our competitors. The hourly pay range for this role is $22.50 to $28.00. The final compensation offer may vary based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and location. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Lanco is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training, and development opportunities, etc., are made without discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.