Smurfit Westrock is hiring: Forklift Operator in Richmond

Overview

Fork Truck Operator - Shipping Team. This position is located at Richmond Container, VA and pays $21.79 per hour, with training to $22.73 per hour plus shift differential.

Opportunity summary: As Forklift Driver in our busy shipping bay or warehouse, you will be responsible for operating an industrial forklift to track, load, and unload trucks for delivering units to customers according to their requirements. You will also keep accurate tallies of what is shipped to customers. We are a high-volume manufacturing plant and you will be part of a team that loads up to 60 trailers a day. You will also be responsible for all activities associated with safely operating the forklift in addition to participating in cross training efforts and sharing duties with other drivers. Our forklift drivers may also operate our banding machines to ensure pallets are ready to load.

This position is part of the union bargaining unit. This is not a closed shop, however you must respect the union contract and all plant rules. We work 12-hour shifts. OT is paid at time and a half for over 40 hours worked. You will be scheduled 3-4 days or nights on with 3 days off. You may be asked to work beyond what is built into your normal schedule. Training and onboarding takes place on day shift and may last 60 days depending on your ability and readiness to move to the floor. You will most likely be asked to go to night shift or our swing shift. Our plant is not climate controlled.

Responsibilities

• Inspect forklift daily at the start of the shift ensuring all safety features are operational. Complete checklist documenting inspection.
• Safely track and move materials throughout the facility safely and efficiently.
• Responsible for the overall safety and cleanliness of the equipment and work area.
• Assure all materials shipped and warehouse are handled in a manner that prevents damage.
• Load and unload trucks according to department standards and customer demands.
• Use an RF scanner for receipts of returns or deliveries.
• Verify all counts, quantities, quality and descriptions of products and materials received, shipped or warehouse are what is expected.
• Service production lines, delivering products as requested.
• Properly palletize or shrink wrap a unit.
• Timely and accurate completion of paperwork associated with the movement of product and materials.
• Responsible for general cleanliness of the warehouse and loading docks.
• Perform regular inventory and cycle counts.
• Safely change forklift propane tanks and/or batteries as needed.
• Assist other departments as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Need To Succeed

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Previous forklift experience in a high-volume high-speed environment preferred.
• Forklift driver certification valid during the last 12 months is preferred, but we will teach you.
• Knowledge of machinery and how to identify issues and troubleshoot equipment preferred.
• Ability to learn proprietary software programs for the Corrugated Manufacturing systems.
• Must have ability to read and write in English. Read and interpret documents, follow maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Must have basic arithmetic involving decimals, fractions, ratios, etc.
• Ability to read a tape measure.
• Ability to communicate effectively to all employees and customers, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to maintain good attendance.
• Must be available to work overtime and weekends or other shifts.
• Must pass background checks and drug testing that includes THC.
• Physical ability to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, bend, kneel, navigate stairs, and drive in reverse during the shift.

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, responsibility, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary that reflects skills, competencies, and potential.
• Total rewards benefit package starting the first day of the month after you complete your first 30 days.
• A career in a global packaging company where sustainability, safety and inclusion are business drivers and fundamental elements of daily work.

Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.