This role is responsible for safely loading, unloading, and moving large steel components, including raw materials and fabricated assemblies, while ensuring efficient workflow between production areas and shipping. Safely load and unload large steel materials, including plate, and fabricated assemblies, using forklifts, overhead cranes.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Houston, TX
Salary
$17 Per Hour
Description
Heavy Forklift Operator - Shop Loader
Houston, TX 77012 Pay: $18.00 Temporary to Hire
Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Shop Loader to support material handling operations within a busy fabrication shop. This role is responsible for safely loading, unloading, and moving large steel components, including raw materials and fabricated assemblies, while ensuring efficient workflow between production areas and shipping. Key Responsibilities:
Safely load and unload large steel materials, including plate, and fabricated assemblies, using forklifts, overhead cranes
Transport materials between workstations to support production flow
Stage materials for fabrication crews based on work orders and production schedules
Stage and Secure outbound loads to ensure safe transportation and prevent damage
Verify incoming and outgoing materials against work orders, purchase orders, and shipping documents
Assist welders and fitters with positioning and flipping heavy components as needed
Maintain clean, organized staging and loading areas
Follow all safety protocols, and PPE usage
Must be able to accurately read and interpret a tape measure
Qualifications:
Prior experience in a steel fabrication or oil & gas manufacturing shop required
Demonstrated experience handling large, heavy steel materials and fabricated parts
Proficiency operating forklifts and overhead cranes
Working knowledge of load balancing, and safe lifting practices
Ability to read work orders, shop drawings, purchase orders and material specifications
Strong communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with production personnel
Physical Requirements:
Ability to safely guide and assist in moving heavy materials (50+ lbs with equipment assistance)
Capable of standing, walking, bending, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout the shift
Comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled shop environment
Work Environment: This position operates in a fabrication shop with exposure to welding, cutting, grinding, and heavy equipment. The role requires adherence to strict safety standards in an active industrial setting. Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting weld/fab teams in a production environment
Familiarity with structural steel, skids, or pressure-related components
Experience with barcode scanning and inventory management systems
Ability to safely operate heavy forklifts (10ton forklift)