Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator
Salary: $24.00
Location: Seattle Goodwill Outlet, Seattle WA

About the Position
The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of inventory in a high-volume warehouse and distribution environment. This position operates a forklift approximately 90% of the workday and supports loading, unloading, material handling, and inventory movement. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the regular operation of powered industrial equipment.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Warehouse & Inventory Operations

Stage, pick, pull, and move inventory according to warehouse procedures.
Load and unload trailers and shipping containers, including live load and live unload activities.
Support the movement and management of high-volume inventory, which may include volumes of approximately up to 9,000 boxes.
Transport materials over longer distances throughout the facility.
Meet established productivity, accuracy, and operational performance standards.
Maintain situational awareness around loading docks, trailers, moving equipment, employees, and pedestrians.


Forklift & Equipment Operation

Operate a forklift approximately 90% of the workday in a high-volume environment.
Operate forklifts and other authorized powered industrial equipment as trained, evaluated, and certified.
Use specialized equipment attachments, including clamp attachments, for product handling and disposal operations.
Perform required pre-use and post-use equipment inspections in accordance with company policy, OSHA requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Safety & Facility Awareness

Operate safely in high-traffic areas with employees and pedestrians.
Follow established warehouse, equipment, and material-handling procedures.
Report equipment concerns, hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses promptly.
Maintain situational awareness around loading docks, trailers, moving equipment, and pedestrians.
Immediately report collisions, injuries, near misses, product damage, property damage, and contact with racks, docks, trailers, or other equipment.


Inventory Accuracy & Team Support

Support inventory control and warehouse accuracy initiatives.
Coordinate with warehouse team members to maintain efficient product flow.
Communicate inventory, equipment, or operational issues to the appropriate leader.
Maintain professional working relationships with production, warehouse, transportation, retail, and other operational partners.

Additional Responsibilities

Demonstrate sound judgment and professionalism while working independently or in team environments.
Remain calm and effective during stressful situations or emergencies.
Maintain required certifications, training, and professional development.
Meet established timelines for assigned work and projects.
Uphold safe work practices and contribute to a culture of workplace safety.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of department objectives and organizational needs.

Position Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience

Experience operating a forklift in a warehouse, distribution, or similar environment preferred.
Experience handling high-volume inventory and using specialized attachments preferred.
Ability to work safely, follow procedures, and maintain inventory accuracy.

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations

Complete Evergreen Goodwill’s required forklift operator training, hands-on evaluation, and maintain authorization thereafter.
Ability to complete required equipment and safety training.

Computer/Technology Skills

Ability to use warehouse inventory, scanning, and reporting systems as required.
Ability to maintain accurate electronic or written inventory records.

Physical Abilities
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, and communicate with others. The employee must be able to safely enter, exit, and operate forklift equipment for extended periods and work in an active warehouse environment with moving equipment, employees, and pedestrians. The role also requires the ability to handle and move materials in accordance with established safety procedures. The employee may be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform frequent grasping, pushing, pulling, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and movement across stairs, ramps, loading docks, and uneven surfaces. Reliable attendance is required.

Work Environment:


Work is performed in warehouse, distribution, loading-dock, trailer, and outdoor environments.
Regular exposure to moving powered equipment, pedestrian traffic, noise, dust, varying temperatures, and other active warehouse conditions.
Required personal protective equipment must be worn, and all posted safety rules and traffic-control requirements must be followed.