Forklift Operator

The Forklift Operator positions are part of a team that has accountability for the safe operation of equipment in one of the production areas which may include: Paper Machines, Converting, or Warehouse Operations. Incumbents will report directly to the Supervisor of the respective area they are assigned. This is an hourly paid position that works a 12hr. rotating shift schedule. The facility operates on a 24 hour, 7 day per week, 365 day per year basis. Successful candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug test, and physical.

The expectation is that individuals filling these positions will be self-motivated to learn all of the responsibilities within their operational area to ensure complete flexibility so that employees can flow to the work as needed. Forklift Operator employees will also be expected to provide coaching, mentoring, and training to other team members to ensure the development of other team members.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety:

Forklift Operators will accept personal responsibility at all times for themselves and assist where they can with the safety of other team members and contractors. This includes, but is not limited to such things as:

• Ensuring all safety rules and safe work procedures are followed by themselves and by other working in and around the machinery.
• All injuries and near misses being reported and followed up on in a timely manner.
• Actively participate in accident/incident investigations.
• Housekeeping standards and expectations are maintained.
• Active participation in team safety meetings, discussions, and training opportunities.
• Following all safety procedures such as Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, PPE, etc.
• Participate in crew discussions prior to major events, i.e. down days, major changeovers etc., emphasizing Job Hazard Analyses prior to commencing work.
• Ensure crew has adequate supply of required safety equipment.
• First Responder responsibilities as trained for and required.

Quality:

Forklift Operators will ensure that all finished paper products adhere to quality conformance and diligence specifications. This includes, but is not limited to such things as:

• Lead by example by being a quality advocate.
• Providing support as needed to correct quality deficiencies, i.e. product or packaging defects.
• Ensuring all work performed meets quality standards.

Productivity:

Forklift Operators will safely:

• Operate their primary equipment at centerline conditions, standard speeds, etc. to maximize productivity.
• Input data into and monitor mill-wide Data Collection Systems as required to verify continuous operation at machine set-points.

Cost:

Forklift Operators will:

• Manage costs that they have the ability to impact wisely and eliminate waste (i.e. raw materials, finishing supplies, parts, tools, time, personnel), and take the initiative to bring forward and resolve issues.
• Monitor key performance indicators that drive product cost, maximize converting or paper cost efficiency by operating equipment at centerline.
• Monitor chemical usages, i.e. tail tie adhesive to ensure compliance to budgeted amounts as required. Identify deviations from standard and determine special causes.
• Manage broke area cleanliness and usage as appropriate.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance:

Forklift Operators will work to maintain the integrity of the facility and operating equipment to ensure on-going safe, reliable operations. This includes such things as:

• Maintaining housekeeping standards i.e. ensure periodic clean-up of equipment per SOP, log saw house maintenance, or other housekeeping requirements for their relative operational area, etc.
• Performing grade changes, required inspections, lubrications and other operator basic care as identified per SOP.
• Initiating, completing and/or assisting with equipment maintenance and repair as needed.

Team Development:

Forklift Operators will be expected to take an active role in learning the equipment, processes and systems in their relevant operating areas. Additionally, they will be expected to:

• Participate in organizational improvement teams, i.e. Safety Committees, Quality Improvement, Productivity/Cost Reductions Teams, etc. as assigned on a rotating basis.
• Identify team member training needs and deficiencies.
• Actively train/mentor other team members to foster their development including required safety training.
• Actively seek training opportunities.
• Participate in Employee Performance reviews and promotion process as required.
• Expected to be a team player.
• Work performance must demonstrate a sense of urgency.

Job Requirements: