Equipment Operator - Birmingham Wholesale

Position Title: Forklift Operator (Sit-down LP or Electric)

Reports To: Processing Supervisor

Department: Warehouse

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

• Perform and document daily forklift inspections at the start of each shift.

• Inspect trailers before loading/unloading to ensure cleanliness and damage-free conditions.

• Safely operate a sit-down LP or electric forklift (using forks or bale clamp) to load/unload trailers and export containers.

• Unload inbound shipments and correctly stack/store products in designated areas.

• Transport materials to appropriate workstations on time to support continuous workflow.

• Maintain organized and secure stacks of bales and Gaylords in assigned areas.

• Read and follow loading patterns to optimize space usage and meet weight requirements.

• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth transitions between workstations.

• Participate in team meetings and ongoing training to uphold safety and quality standards.

• Assist in other tasks or workstations as needed, including machinery operation to produce clothing bales.

• Complete end-of-day housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work environment.

• Adhere to all company safety guidelines and operating procedures.

• Obtain and maintain valid forklift certification as required.

• Must be 18 years or older

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience operating a sit-down forklift (bale clamp experience preferred)

• Proficient in safe forklift operation, including loading/unloading of various materials

• Ability to read and understand shipping and loading documentation

• Dependable with a strong work ethic and commitment to safety

• High attention to detail and ability to identify quality issues quickly

• Efficient in meeting production and shipping deadlines

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset

• Experience handling various materials, including large bales, small bales, and palletized items

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment requiring physical activity for extended periods of time.

• On-the-job training provided

• Must pass a background check, motor vehicle report, and drug screening

• Frequently - Carrying up to 50 lbs., pushing and pulling up to 25 lbs., lifting up to 50 lbs., climbing up to 14-foot height, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, handling and smelling.

• Frequently - Walking on tile/concrete, bending, feeling, and reaching waist/overhead level.

• Continuously - Standing on tile/concrete, talking, seeing, and hearing.

• Mostly regular and weekend hours, occasionally working evenings and holiday hours as needed.

• Working environment includes inside of building with semi- controlled temperatures and outside conditions with varying weather and temperatures.