Mentor Trainee Forklift Operator - TBD - Springfield Plywood

Since our founding in 1951, Swanson Group has proudly remained a multigenerational, family-owned company. We are committed to fostering a welcome and supportive workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

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Position Title: General Plant Forklift (Mentor)
Reports To: General Plant
Department: SPW General Plant
Hours per shift: Employee works 8-10 hour shifts, with two 10-minute breaks, and 30-minute unpaid lunch.
Based on 8 hr shifts- Day: 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Swing: 3:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. Graveyard: 11:00 P.M. to 7:30 A.M.
Based on 10 hr shifts- Day: 4:45 A.M to 3:30 P.M. Swing: 3 P.M to 2 A.M.
Wage: Level 3 - $23.26
Position Purpose: Safely load/unload and transport material to and from machine centers. Load and unload vans, flat-bed trucks, as required. Safely stack/unstack units in designated storage bays.
Position Functions:
General Plant Forklift: Essential Functions*
These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.

Visually inspect the forklift for leaks, damaged forks, excessive wear in steering, lift chains, tires and proper operation of brakes.
Check fluid levels and fill to the mark.
Utilize proper refueling procedures to safely fuel forklift.
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual job descriptions.
Assist co-workers or Maintenance personnel in basic maintenance procedures.


Non-Essential Functions
These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.

Perform other duties and functions as assigned by supervisor for production and cleaning purpose.


Working Environment: (1) Inside 80%, average temperature 80 degrees, extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 120 degrees F. (2) Outside 20%. Noise or vibration: Machine noise to include machine being operated as well as other machines close by including Forklifts. Hazards: See Job Hazard Analysis. (3) Atmospheric conditions: Dust: Limited, Mist: Water, Odors: Dry wood, Gasses: None, Poor Ventilation: None. The worker in this position will be standing on a slightly elevated wooden platform with rubber mats. The worker will move back and forth on this platform in front of an elevated dry conveyor measuring 3 ½ to 4’ above the ground. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Blue Atlas gloves. (4) Approved Footwear (5) High Visibility Clothing.

Physical Demands: See the attached Job/Task Evaluation and Physical Capabilities portion; this position requires constant use of hearing and vision, frequent pushing/pulling and reaching, and occasional lifting/carrying/ more than 50 lbs.

Skills: (1) must have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously and must have peripheral vision to see forklifts and co-workers. Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc. Worker generally works with another clean up member with little supervision. Clean up members must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task. Ability to prioritize, organize, and make necessary decisions.
Safety: (1) Do only maintenance you are trained to do and keep all body parts out of machinery. (2) Always use our 14-step lockout/tagout procedure before doing any maintenance, clearing jams, or getting into machinery for any reason; be aware of stored energy. (3) Always use proper body mechanics (ex: don’t overreach, get help as needed to push loads out). (4) Use proper PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection). (5) Be aware of and always communicate with your co-worker (ex: forklift driver). (6) Will be required to read and write during safety training.


Employee Signature

Employee Name (print):
Employee Signature: Date:
Employer Representative Signature

Supervisor Name (print):

Supervisor Signature: Date:


Job Title: General Plan