Material Handler (Large Capacity Forklift Operator)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and safety-conscious Material Handler / Large Capacity Forklift Operator to join our team in Houston. This role is critical to our operations, involving the precise and safe transport of heavy industrial materials, including steel plates, structural pipes, and complex pressure vessels. The ideal candidate will be a master of heavy-duty equipment, capable of navigating our indoor & outdoor warehouse/ yard logistics with precision and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Heavy Equipment Operation: Safely operate large-capacity forklifts (typically 15,000lb – 50,000lb+ capacity) to move, load, and stage oversized industrial materials.
• Material Handling & Staging: Expertly maneuver long pipe sections, heavy-gauge plates, and delicate pressure vessels, ensuring loads are properly balanced and secured.
• Warehouse/Yard Logistics: Navigate indoor and/or outdoor storage areas effectively, maintaining organized inventory stacking and clear traffic flow for other heavy machinery and transport vehicles.
• Inspection & Maintenance: Perform daily pre-shift equipment inspections (fluids, tires, forks, hydraulic systems) and report any mechanical issues immediately to maintenance staff.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to OSHA standards and site-specific safety policies, including the use of proper rigging, signaling, and spotters when necessary.

Qualifications

• Required: 3+ years of experience operating heavy-capacity forklifts in an industrial, fabrication, or warehouse or pipe yard environment.
• Preferred: Hands-on, documented experience operating Taylor ("Big Red") or Hyster heavy-capacity lift trucks.
• Skills: Ability to judge weight distribution, manage center-of-gravity challenges with awkward loads, and work effectively in an outdoor, all-weather environment.
• Certifications: Valid Forklift Certification (OSHA compliant).
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb on/off equipment, and work in varied Houston weather conditions.