Forklift / Utility Operator – 2nd Shift
Location: Worcester, MA 01605
Pay Rate: $22.55/hour while working 2nd shift
Base Pay: $20.50/hour + 10% 2nd Shift Differential
Shift: 2nd Shift – 2:30 PM–11:00 PM
Hours: 40 hours per week
Employment Type: W-2 Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Forklift / Utility Operator to support manufacturing and material-handling operations in Worcester, MA.
This position is responsible for moving raw materials, inventory, and finished goods throughout the manufacturing facility using a forklift, pallet jack, push cart, and other material-handling equipment.
The Utility Operator will support production by delivering materials to machines, moving finished products to staging or shipping areas, maintaining accurate inventory records, and assisting with shipping and receiving activities.
The ideal candidate has manufacturing experience and solid forklift experience and is comfortable moving large and heavy materials in an active industrial environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate a forklift to pick up, transport, and deliver raw materials, supplies, and finished goods throughout the facility.
- Use forklifts and pallet jacks to load and unload trucks and move materials to production areas.
- Retrieve raw materials and cores from the warehouse based on pending work orders.
- Safely transport large and heavy materials weighing approximately 100–2,500 pounds using a forklift.
- Maneuver a forklift safely within tight production and warehouse spaces.
- Deliver materials to appropriate production machines and work areas.
- Unload materials from forklifts onto push carts and manually position materials as required.
- Prepare rolls for coating and converting operations by removing end plates and protective plastic.
- Monitor production schedules and pending work orders to determine material requirements.
- Move finished products to shipping, warehouse, staging, or the next production process.
- Operate pallet trucks, carousel equipment, and core-cut machines as required.
- Inspect incoming shipments, verify quantities, check for damage, and report discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate inventory records using a computerized inventory system.
- Scan barcodes before and after product movement using the QAD inventory system.
- Participate in weekly cycle counts.
- Weigh and dispose of scrap materials when required.
- Assist with shipping and receiving activities as needed.
- Identify and help eliminate potential workplace safety hazards.
- Follow work orders, SOPs, and established safety procedures.
Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
- Previous manufacturing experience preferred.
- Previous forklift/fork truck operating experience required.
- Fork truck operating license required.
- Valid driver's license requested by the hiring manager.
- Experience moving materials within a manufacturing, warehouse, production, or industrial environment.
- Ability to safely operate a forklift in tight spaces.
- Experience with pallet jacks and other material-handling equipment.
- Basic computer skills for inventory transactions and recordkeeping.
- Inventory control or cycle-counting experience is helpful.
- Ability to read and follow work orders and written instructions.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work independently with general supervision.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a manufacturing team.
- Safety-focused approach to operating equipment and moving materials.
- Dependable attendance and ability to consistently work the 2:30 PM–11:00 PM shift.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to regularly handle materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- Ability to push, pull, reach, walk, stand, kneel, and bend throughout the shift.
- Ability to work in confined or tight areas while moving materials.
- Ability to occasionally climb or work from ladders.
- Ability to safely perform physical material-handling activities throughout the workday.
Work Environment
This position works within an active industrial manufacturing environment around moving machinery and industrial vehicles.
Employees may occasionally be exposed to heat, fumes, or airborne dust. The facility generally has a moderate noise level.
PPE may include safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.