Forklift Operator

In this active plant and yard logistics position, you will be responsible for the safe and precise staging, loading, and transportation of massive, awkward structural components—including steel bridge girders, fabricated assemblies, structural beams, heavy timber, and oversized hardware. Operating industrial sit-down forklifts across active yard and warehouse environments, you will navigate tight clearances, handle unevenly distributed weight centers, and load outbound flatbeds without compromising product integrity or personnel safety.

Structural Infrastructure & Bridge Logistics: Heavy Material Forklift Operator Wanted in Vancouver!


Do you have the steady hand, advanced equipment control, and sharp spatial awareness required to maneuver far more than standard 48x40 pallets? American Workforce Group has partnered with a premier distributor of structural components for steel bridges in Vancouver, WA to hire a dependable, skilled Heavy Material Forklift Operator.



MOVE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WITH A DEPENDABLE MONDAY–FRIDAY DAYTIME ROUTINE! In this active plant and yard logistics position, you will be responsible for the safe and precise staging, loading, and transportation of massive, awkward structural components—including steel bridge girders, fabricated assemblies, structural beams, heavy timber, and oversized hardware. Operating industrial sit-down forklifts across active yard and warehouse environments, you will navigate tight clearances, handle unevenly distributed weight centers, and load outbound flatbeds without compromising product integrity or personnel safety. Offering $20.00 – $22.00 / hour DOE with consistent 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM hours and guaranteed weekends off, this 6–8 week assignment holds strong potential to turn into a long-term, full-time position for proven performers. If you bring verified experience moving large, awkward steel or timber materials, let's get you behind the controls!


Description for Heavy Material Forklift Operator:

• Safely operate industrial sit-down forklifts to transport, position, and stage oversized, awkward structural steel bridge components and heavy materials.
• Load and unload commercial flatbed trailers, open-top containers, and rail transport lines with high-value structural assemblies, maintaining 100% balance and securement.
• Maneuver non-standard, unbalanced, wide, and extended loads safely through yard gates, fabrication bays, and staging racks with sharp spatial awareness.
• Perform mandatory pre-operational equipment inspections daily: test hydraulic lifts, mast tilt, fork spreads, braking systems, and fluid levels.
• Conduct visual quality and freight inspections on arriving and outbound components to detect transit damage, coating scratches, or structural defects.
• Verify bills of lading (BOLs), piece counts, heat numbers, and jobsite shipping tags against computerized inventory logs.
• Support broader yard operations: assist with dunnage placement, blocking, banding, rigging support, and general yard housekeeping.
• Adhere strictly to all facility safety rules, pedestrian right-of-way procedures, spotter hand signals, and required PPE guidelines.

Details for Heavy Material Forklift Operator:

• Pay Rate: $20.00 – $22.00 / hour (Scaling based on verifiable heavy forklift operating depth and structural material experience / DOE).
• Schedule: Full-Time Monday – Friday (Guaranteed weekday routine with weekends completely OFF!).
• Shift Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Consistent daytime schedule).
• Duration / Status: Immediate 6–8 week assignment with strong potential to convert into permanent, full-time employment based on performance and attendance.
• Location: Vancouver, WA distribution yard (convenient commute from Clark and Cowlitz Counties).
• Industry: Steel bridge component distribution and heavy civil infrastructure supply.

Requirements for Heavy Material Forklift Operator:

• Forklift Operating Tenure: Verifiable experience operating industrial sit-down forklifts in a heavy industrial, yard, manufacturing, or distribution environment.
• Oversized Material Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience balancing and transporting large, awkward, long, or heavy products (such as structural steel beams, plate, pipe, bridge components, or large timbers).
• Spatial Awareness & Safety: Superior depth perception and vigilance regarding ground crew, overhead obstructions, and load center-of-gravity shifts.
• Physical Capabilities: Active yard environment requiring the ability to comfortably mount and dismount forklifts, walk on uneven gravel/concrete surfaces, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed for dunnage and rigging.
• Exceptional history of morning punctuality, dependable daily attendance, and collaborative team communication.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Comprehensive Benefits Include:

• Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $20.00–$22.00/hr DOE.
• Predictable Monday–Friday daytime routine (7:00 AM – 4:30 PM) with weekends OFF.
• Direct exposure to premier civil infrastructure and structural steel distribution projects.
• Potential for full-time permanent conversion following evaluation.
• Washington State Paid Sick Leave tracking.
• AWG SERVICES ARE ALWAYS 100% FREE TO JOB SEEKERS!

To apply:
Email your resume directly for review: cowlitzjobs@americanworkforcegroup.com
Call our recruiting office today: (360) 200-4900
Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Already registered with AWG? Call our office directly to express your interest—no need to reapply!

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American Workforce Group is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis protected by law.

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