Entry Level Forklift Operator/General Warehouse Laborer

Job Description

Job Description

The Entry Level Forklift Operator - General Warehouse Laborer is a dual-function role responsible for the safe operation of a sit-down forklift and the manual inspection of wooden pallets. In this position, you will move materials throughout the facility to support production flow while also manually sorting pallets by type and condition to meet company standards. You are responsible for identifying defects, maintaining inventory accuracy, and ensuring a safe, organized workspace. Ideal candidates are safety-minded, thrive in fast-paced environments, and are comfortable with both machinery and repetitive physical labor. On-site forklift certification is provided—no prior experience is required.

• Starting Pay:
• Day Shift: $19.50 an hour
• Night Shift: 20.25 an hour
• Guaranteed Progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role.

Our Story… So Far

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider offering Pallet Management Services, 3PL Services, Reverse Logistics Services, and Freight Brokerage & Transportation Management Services, handling over 115 million pallets per year for over 1,500 customers. Now one of the largest pallet manufacturing and recycling companies in the United States, PLA has over 76 facilities, employing upwards of 3500 employees across 23 states, and is still looking for opportunities for growth, both organically and through acquisition.

Here’s What We Offer:

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday.
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week.
• PTO (Paid Time Off).
• Full Benefits : Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings.
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget.
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications.
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment.
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week.
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discount s (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases.
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Manager, the Entry Level Forklift Operator - General Warehouse Laborer is responsible for operating and maintaining a sit-down forklift to move and organize pallets within a warehouse environment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Report to the Supervisor or Manager to ensure all pallets meet PLA/Propak quality standards and production goals.
• Operate a sit-down forklift to safely move, organize, and load/unload pallets in and out of trailers and designated areas.
• Perform manual sortation of pallets by hand, identifying specific criteria such as color, manufacturer, and damage levels (e.g., missing boards or exposed nails).
• Conduct daily safety inspections of the forklift and manage refueling or charging as needed.
• Verify and complete all load documentation, maintaining accurate digital or paper records for inventory and quality tracking.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by removing debris from pallets and sweeping dock areas.
• Consistently meet established production rates per hour to ensure facility efficiency and safety.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and federal/state regulations regarding equipment and material handling.
• Understand that reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules are subject to change to meet company needs and business requirements.
• Adapt to new tasks, schedules, or team structures based on the operational needs of the facility.

What We’re Looking For:

• No prior forklift experience required – we train and certify on-site.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to lift 70–100 lbs throughout the day.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Must pass PLA forklift certification.

Physical Requirements:

• No prior forklift experience required – we provide full on-site training and certification.
• Must be at least 18 years old and pass the PLA forklift certification.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to quickly identify pallet defects and specific sorting criteria.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including lifting 70–100 lbs consistently throughout the day.
• A reliable, punctual individual with a strong work ethic who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to adjust to new work assignments or schedules as needed to support company operations.
• Good communication skills and the ability to cooperate effectively with team members and management.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a warehouse environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting [email protected]. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request