Port Forklift Operator at Fortress Cement Inc – Wilmington, North Carolina

Job Summary

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely handling, moving, and organizing cement products—including bagged cement, pallets, and bulk materials—within the warehouse and yard. This role ensures efficient inbound and outbound material flow, accurate inventory handling, and adherence to strict safety standards. The operator will support loading/unloading delivery trucks, staging shipments, and maintaining warehouse organization.

Key Responsibilities

Material Handling

• Operate sit-down or standup forklifts to transport cement products between receiving, storage, and shipping areas.
• Load and unload materials from trucks and trailers; ensure pallets are secure and properly positioned.
• Move raw materials, such as palletized cement or additives, to assigned storage bays or production areas.
• Stack, relocate, and organize palletized cement products in yard/warehouse storage zones.

Inventory & Documentation

• Scan, label, and track inventory using RF scanners or warehouse management systems.
• Assist with cycle counts, stock rotation (FIFO), and inventory audits.
• Complete basic shipping/receiving paperwork such as bills of lading or manifests.

Safety & Compliance

• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and follow OSHA required safety procedures.
• Maintain safe speeds, clear visibility, and proper fork positioning during operation.
• Identify and report workplace hazards, load damage, or equipment malfunctions immediately.
• Keep work areas—including cement storage and loading zones—clean, organized, and free of debris.

Yard & Warehouse Support

• Transport cement pallets safely across yard storage areas, similar to concrete product yard operations.
• Unload raw materials such as rebar, aggregate, bagged cement, or other inbound materials as needed.
• Follow production or shipping schedules to ensure timely order fulfillment.

Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform minor forklift upkeep, including battery checks, fuel/fluids monitoring, and cleaning.
• Report mechanical issues so equipment can be removed from service if unsafe.

• Experience operating forklifts in warehouse, construction, or concrete product environments preferred.
• Ability to safely handle heavy materials and work in dusty, outdoor/indoor conditions typical in cement distribution.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in outdoor environments.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.

Work Equipment

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, reach, squat, push, and pull objects.
• Comfortable working around dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to regularly lift to 50-75 pounds.
• Ability to tolerate working outdoors in all temperatures and weather conditions.
• The job may involve long hours, including early mornings, weekends, and occasional overtime to meet delivery schedules.