Forklift Operator - Structural Steel

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced forklift operator to join our team at the Riggs structural steel fabrication facility. This is not an entry-level position. You will be handling heavy, oversized, and awkward steel materials daily - beams, columns, plate, coil, and fabricated assemblies - and we need someone who knows what they're doing before they ever sit in the seat. This role demands strong situational awareness, respect for safe load limits, and the ability to keep pace with a high-output fabrication environment without sacrificing safety or care for equipment.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Equipment Operation & Material Handling

• Operate sit-down and telehandler forklifts to move, stage, and load structural steel materials throughout the facility and yard.
• Safely handle long, heavy, and off-balance loads including structural beams, HSS tube, angle iron, plate steel, and fabricated assemblies.
• Load and unload flatbed trucks, including proper blocking, banding, and securement of steel for transport.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, cut lists, and material tags to ensure accurate staging and sequencing of steel.

Production Support & Shop Coordination

• Work closely with fabricators, fitters, and project leads to keep material flow organized and on schedule.
• Keep the yard and shop floor organized, clear of hazards, and staged efficiently for active jobs.
• Assist fabrication and welding crews with positioning and staging of steel components throughout the production process.

Safety Leadership - Loenbro Safety Initiative

• Follow all safety protocols including load capacity limits, designated travel paths, and required PPE at all times.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and immediately report any issues, defects, or unsafe conditions.
• Maintain full situational awareness in areas with, pedestrian traffic, and tight clearances.
• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and job hazard analyses relevant to forklift and material handling operations.

Other duties may be assigned as needed to support business operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 3-5 years of forklift experience in a steel fabrication, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment.
• Proven experience handling structural steel and oversized/awkward loads.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced shop environment with overhead crane activity and tight spaces.
• Strong spatial awareness and situational judgment - you know when to slow down.
• Reliable, safety-minded, and a team player who takes the job seriously.

Preferred

• Ability to read basic shop drawings and material lists.
• Experience operating a telehandler or rough terrain forklift in addition to standard sit-down equipment.
• OSHA 10-hour general industry or construction certification.
• Prior experience in a structural steel fabrication shop environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work Environment

• Structural steel fabrication shop and outdoor yard environment with regular exposure to heavy equipment, metal materials, and industrial noise.
• Appropriate PPE is required at all times in applicable areas of the facility.
• Must be able to work on your feet and in a forklift seat for extended periods, and work outdoors in varying Arizona weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.

Additional information

This role requires compliance with all applicable safety regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and Loenbro's Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) policies.

Benefits

Loenbro offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and rewards to those who join our team:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
• Life and disability insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

• Benefits eligibility may vary based on employment classification and hours worked.
• Our Core Values

LEAD with Values

• Live with Integrity - We do the right thing and do what we say, in every interaction - and practice stewardship to care for the communities where we live & work.
• Exceed Expectations - We anticipate customer needs, deliver innovative solutions, and dedicate ourselves to creating outcomes that make a real difference.
• Act with Urgency - We take action, adapt seamlessly, and keep projects moving without compromising quality - because our customers' priorities are our priorities.
• Deliver Excellence - We combine our passion for quality, our industry expertise, and our eye for innovation to make excellence our standard.

• Guided by core values, grounded in grit and a commitment to excellence, Loenbro maintains and enhances the industrial infrastructure that betters our families, customers, and local communities.
• Loenbro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.