Industrial Forklift Operator

Industrial Forklift Operator – Thomaston, GA

Starting Pay Range: $19.14 - $22.63 per hour based on skill and experience.

Interfor is seeking a safety-minded, skilled, and motivated industrial forklift operator to join our night shift team in Thomaston, Georgia in our Kilns Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for safely operating industrial-sized forklifts to move, load, and organize products throughout the mill, supporting efficient and smooth production operations.

• Safely operate forklifts in compliance with all Interfor and OSHA standards, including proper seatbelt use on all mobile equipment.
• Unload dry kilns and store lumber in designated areas, ensuring all units and stacks are stable, secure, and properly supported.
• Load green lumber onto tracks for timely kiln charging to minimize kiln downtime.
• Push in and pull out kiln charges with care, preventing equipment damage and ensuring all baffles and doors are properly secured and positioned.
• Load weights and/or rebar on lumber packs prior to placement on CDK and/or batch kiln trams.
• Inspect each lumber pack or stack before loading onto CDK or batch kiln trams to prevent equipment damage.
• Assist with loading and unloading lumber trucks, safely transporting lumber from decks, yards, stackers, or trucks to the proper storage locations.
• Ensure kiln carts are in good repair and correctly aligned on tracks.
• Perform routine greasing of kiln carts—weekly for batch kilns and daily for CDK kilns.
• Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.
• Complete daily checklists and required documentation accurately and on time.
• Store green lumber in designated areas, ensuring units and stacks are stable and not at risk of tipping.
• Rotate green lumber as needed to prevent stain and promote uniform drying.
• Perform daily pre-shift forklift inspections.
• Clean forklifts regularly using a pressure washer.
• Assist with tire changes and other preventive maintenance tasks as required.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by your direct supervisor or mill leadership.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Ability to walk, stand, sit, climb, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.

• High School Diploma/Equivalent preferred.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain certification through a standard training course.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations, following established procedures.

• Group Benefit Programs (Employee Medical, Dental, Vision Plans)
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Additional (Employee Paid) Life Insurance
• HSA Medical Plan
• 401(k) Matching Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Instant access to your wages ahead of payday
• Quarterly performance-based bonus opportunity

Interfor is an Equal Opportunity Employer building a capable, committed, diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. All applicants offered a position must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and background check.