Job Details

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.

At Swanson Group, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success.

Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today!

Forklift Operator - Springfield Plywood

Position Title: General Plant Forklift (Mentor)

Reports To: General Plant

Department: SPW General Plant

Hours per shift: Employee works 8-hour shifts, with two 10-minute breaks, and 30-minute unpaid lunch.

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.

Wage: Level 3

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 of green and dry veneer or plywood 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.

ENDURANCE

Never/Not Required

Seldom

1-5%

Occasionally

6-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuous

67-100%

Total hours at one time

Total hours in a workday

SITTING

X

2

8

STANDING

X

8

WALKING

X

8

CHANGE POSITIONS

X

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Enter actual maximum weight in pounds in the box)

LIFTING

Never/Not Required

Seldom

1-5%

Occasionally

6-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuous

67-100%

1-10 LBS

10 LBS

11-20 LBS

20 LBS

21-50 LBS

50 LBS

51-75 LBS

75 LBS

76-100 LBS

100 LBS

>100 LBS
•100 LBS

Maximum weight lifted by worker without assistance: 50 LBS

If required, lifting over 50 LBS is performed with two or more people and/or lifting devices.

CARRYING

Never/Not Required

Seldom

1-5%

Occasionally

6-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuous

67-100%

1-10 LBS

10 LBS

11-20 LBS

20 LBS

21-50 LBS

50 LBS

51-75 LBS

75 LBS

76-100 LBS

100 LBS

>100 LBS

100 LBS

Maximum weight carried by worker without assistance: 10-50 LBS

If required, carrying over 50 LBS is performed with two or more people and/or lifting devices.

PUSHING/PULLING FORCE TO BE EXCERTED

Never/Not Required

Seldom

1-5%

Occasionally

6-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuous

67-100%

1-10 LBS

10 LBS

11-20 LBS

20 LBS

21-50 LBS

50 LBS

51-75 LBS

75 LBS

76-100 LBS

100 LBS

>100 LBS
•100 LBS

Maximum weight of object pushed/pulled by worker: 75 Lbs. Distance: 4'

Type of surface (i.e. level, carpet, incline): Level / Incline

OTHER

Never/Not Required

Seldom

1-5%

Occasionally

6-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuous

67-100%

BEND/STOOP

X

TWIST

X

CROUCH/SQUAT

X

KNEEL

X

CRAWL

X

WALK-LEVEL SURFACE

X

WALK-UNEVEN SURFACE

X

CLIMB STEPS

X

CLIMB LADDER

X

WORK AT HEIGHTS

X

REACH AT OR ABOVE SHOULDER

X

REACH BELOW SHOULDER

X

USE OF ARMS

X

USE OF WRISTS

X

USE OF HANDS

X

GRASPING/SQUEEZING

X

OPERATE FOOT CONTROLS

X

ENVIRONMENT

INSIDE:

80%

OUTSIDE:

20%

TEMPERATURE EXTREMES:

YES

VIBRATION:

NO

WORKS ON OR AROUND MOVING MACHINARY OR MECHANICAL PARTS:

YES

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

BOOTS

YES

HARDHAT

NO

GLOVES

YES

EYE PROTECTION

YES

HEARING PROTECTION

YES

OTHER?

The information provided in this job description, including strength and physical requirements, is based on observation of the job and is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law.