Job Position: Forklift/Reach
Location: MESQUITE, TX 75149
Pay Rate: $18.00/hr
Shift: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Description: Summary
The Forklift/Reach Truck Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, and retrieval of raw materials (plastic resins, colorants), production supplies, Work-in-Progress (WIP), and finished plastic goods within the warehouse and production facility. This role is critical to maintaining a consistent flow of materials to the manufacturing lines and ensuring timely shipment of products.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Material Staging & Supply:
Operate both counterbalance forklifts and narrow-aisle reach trucks to transport materials.
Stage and deliver correct bulk plastic resins, pellets, and colorants to hoppers or manufacturing lines (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, extrusion) according to production schedules.
Remove completed product totes, containers, and scrap materials from the production areas.
Shipping and Receiving:
Load and unload inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring all materials are handled carefully to prevent damage to packaged finished goods (e.g., lightweight plastic containers, films, or parts).
Verify incoming material counts against purchase orders and inspect shipments for signs of damage or contamination.
Inventory Control:
Accurately pull, stage, and put away inventory in designated rack locations.
Maintain organized storage areas using high-reach equipment, ensuring proper stacking heights and securing loads.
Utilize handheld scanners or a Warehouse Management System (WMS) to track inventory movements and ensure correct FIFO (First-In, First-Out) rotation of materials.
Safety and Maintenance:
Perform daily pre-shift inspections (PPE checks) on all material handling equipment, reporting necessary maintenance or safety hazards immediately.
Adhere strictly to all company safety procedures, including height restrictions, load stability, and pedestrian traffic rules.
Assist in maintaining the general cleanliness and organization of the warehouse and production staging areas.
Qualifications
Experience & Certification:
Minimum of 2 years of proven, safe experience operating both Forklifts and Reach Trucks in a high-volume warehouse or manufacturing setting.
Current and valid Forklift Operator Certification (or ability to pass certification upon hire).
Skills & Abilities:
Proven ability to work safely and efficiently with fragile or oddly shaped packaged plastic goods.
Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding accurate inventory counts and location tracking.
Ability to read and understand basic production schedules, lot numbers, and shipping documents.
Basic computer skills for data entry and operating inventory systems.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to frequently lift, push, or pull materials up to 50 lbs.
Ability to stand, walk, and perform physical duties for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
The role operates primarily within a plastic manufacturing facility and adjacent warehouse, which may be subject to loud noise, elevated temperatures, and dust from plastic resin materials. Safety equipment is required at all times.
