Kilns Forklift Operator

The Opportunity:

As a Forklift Operator, you'll be essential in transporting materials and products throughout our sawmill. You'll operate our powerful forklifts and other equipment to move, stack, and organize lumber and supplies. Your role is crucial in maintaining the flow of production and ensuring everything is in the right place at the right time. If you have a knack for operating machinery and a keen eye for detail, this job at our sawmill in DeRidder, LA, might just be for you! Join us and discover a pathway for career advancement, where your hard work is not only recognized, but rewarded.

This role is a permanent full-time position working Monday through Friday.

Essential duties and responsibilities of a Forklift Operator:

• TRAINED AND QUALIFIED OPERATOR: The operator must be trained and qualified in the operations of the forklift. Read the Operator’s Guide thoroughly and observe all OSHA regulations and all safe operating procedures
• PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS: All operators are required to fill out a pre-trip inspection on forklifts before operating.
• SAFETY FIRST: Operate the truck from the operator’s seat only. Never place any part of your body between mast upright and outside the operator’s compartment. Always wear a seat belt while the machine is in operation. Do not attempt to jump from the machine in the event of a flip over! Remain seated with the seat belt fastened.
• NEUTRAL START POSITION AND TESTING CONTROLS: Be certain that transmission and hydraulic controls are in neutral and brakes are set before turning on the ignition switch. Test controls for proper response before using the machine.
• AIR PRESSURE: Do not move the machine until the air system reaches recommended air pressure. Air pressure is required for the service brakes. If loss of air pressure occurs while the machine is in motion, brakes will automatically be applied.
• MACHINE CAPACITY: Never overload the machine. Misuse or overloading can result in injury to the operator or bystanders and cause damage to the vehicle or other property.
• HANDING LOADS: Do not handle unstable loads. Avoid sudden starts, and short turn while turning. Exercise extreme care when selecting the correct lever for proper load function when high tiering and stacking. Should the load break loose, stop the machine immediately, lower the load and adjust side shift until load weight is centered and properly held. If the load shift is too great for adjustment with wide shift, rearrange the load before attempting to move. Use extreme care when tilting forward or rearward while stacking or tiering. Use minimum forward or rearward tilt to pick-up or deposit a load when stacking and tiering.
• CAUTION: Use extreme care when tilting the load forward or rearward. Especially when high tiering. Tilting the attachment forward is permitted only when picking up a load. Do not tilt an elevated load forward, unless the load is in position for depositing over a rack or stack. Use only enough rearward tilt to stabilize the load when stacking or tiering
• TRAVELING: Start, stop, change direction, travel and brake smoothly. Slow down for turns and when traveling on uneven or slippery surfaces. Use care when traveling with or without a load. Always look in the direction of travel. Keep a clear view; slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obscured. Travel with the load or lifting mechanism as low as possible while allowing for good visibility. Drive the truck in reverse (except when climbing ramps) if the load interferes with forward visibility. Travel slowly and do not turn on steep ramps and other inclines. Always operate the load uphill. Ho up inclines in “forward” and down in “reverse”. The counterweight should be uphill if the machine is not loaded.
• LEAVING THE MACHINE UNATTENDED: Completely lower the attachment, shut off the power, set the parking brake, neutralize the controls and remove the key. If the machine is parked on an incline, block the wheels.
• PASSENGERS: Carry no passengers on the machine, on the attachment or on the load.
• PEOPLE UNDER ELEVATED LOADS: Do not allow anyone near the machine- Do not allow anyone to walk under an elevated load. Do not allow anyone to stand under or beside an elevated load or the machine lifting mechanism.
• PEOPLE NEAR THE MACHINE: Do not operate the vehicle until both forward and reverse travel paths are clear. Be sure tail swing paths are clear. Do not operate the vehicle with bystanders present.’
• OBSTRUCTIONS AND CLEARANCES: Watch end clearances and overhead obstructions. Clear yard/driveway of obstructions. Avoid potholes and debris.
• OPERATING HMI: Kiln Operators are required to load the kiln packages on the HMI during their shift and monitor the HMI for any upsetting conditions.
• PERFORMING HOT CHECKS: Kiln Operators are required to perform hot checks on dry lumber coming out the kiln with a moisture meter and log the results.  

At Canfor, we embrace diversity, valuing everyone’s unique qualities. We believe that inclusion and diversity are crucial for our productivity, creativity, innovation, and competitive edge. Our recruitment process is fair and equitable, based on qualifications and experience.

Why Canfor? We're a global leader in low-carbon forest products like lumber, pulp, paper, wood pellets, and green energy. We prioritize innovation, environmental practices, and community support. In the U.S., we operate as Canfor Southern Pine, offering high-quality, sustainable Southern Yellow Pine.

Join us today, and together, we can build a sustainable future.

We appreciate all candidates' interest but will contact only those selected for interviews. Our hiring for various positions is ongoing and includes different screening processes such as behavioral assessments, references, criminal record checks, and drug testing, depending on the role and location.