FORKLIFT OPERATOR/ YARD LABOURER

JOB POSTING JOB SUMMARY

The Forklift Operator / Yard Labourer is responsible for operating equipment such as forklifts and telehandlers to safely load, unload, and transport materials, finished products, and supplies throughout the yard and plant. This role also supports yard operations including material organization, pallet and dunnage management, picking materials, and maintaining a clean and safe yard environment.

The position requires adherence to safety standards and company procedures while ensuring efficient material handling and yard organization. The Forklift Operator / Yard Labourer will report directly to the Logistics & Inventory Supervisor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Forklift & Material Handling

• Operate forklifts and telehandlers to load and unload materials, finished products, and deliveries.

• Load and unload bundles, lumber, building materials, and other products safely and efficiently.

• Transport materials to and from storage areas, staging zones, and production areas.

• Load trucks and trailers with outgoing shipments ensuring materials are properly secured.

• Unload incoming deliveries and place materials in designated storage areas.

• Move materials with care to prevent damage to products or equipment.

• Inspect products for damage and report discrepancies or quality issues.

• Verify quantities and item numbers of products delivered or loaded for shipment.

• Document materials coming into the plant or returning to inventory.

• Assist with inventory counts and cycle counts.

Yard Operations & Material Organization

• Assist with picking materials for production, shipping, and yard requirements.

• Organize and store materials in designated areas including lumber, hardware, and equipment zones.

• Ensure materials stored outdoors are properly covered and secured.

• Collect, sort, and stack usable dunnage and pallets in designated storage areas.

• Inspect pallets and materials for damage and discard unusable items.

• Rotate stock as required to ensure older materials are used first.

• Monitor yard inventory levels and report shortages or overstock situations to the supervisor.

• Maintain firewood storage area by stacking wood, removing debris, and ensuring safe storage.

Yard Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe yard and storage areas.

• Perform regular yard cleaning including material staging areas, storage zones, and workspaces.

• Inspect waste bins (wood, construction, general waste, recycling) and arrange disposal when required.

• Ensure all signage, labels, and safety postings remain visible and up to date.

• Keep work areas free of hazards and maintain safe walkways and equipment access.

• Assist with snow clearing and general yard upkeep as required.

Equipment & Safety

• Perform daily equipment inspections to ensure forklifts and yard equipment are in safe working condition.

• Report equipment issues, malfunctions, or safety hazards to the supervisor immediately.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

• Provide customers, vendors, and delivery drivers with professional and safe service during loading and unloading operations.

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Valid forklift operator certification is required.

• Proven experience as a forklift operator.

• Experience with outdoor yard operations and material handling is preferred.

• Ability to safely handle lumber, building materials, and palletized products.

• Basic math skills for inventory handling and product verification.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.

• Wood framing construction knowledge and experience is an asset.

• Ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs).

• Physical stamina to perform a physically demanding job including lifting, bending, and working outdoors.

• Ability to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position involves working both indoors in the manufacturing facility and outdoors in the yard with exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.

• The role requires standing, walking, lifting, operating equipment, and performing physical tasks throughout the workday.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $23.00 - $26.00 per hour (based on experience).

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Referral bonus program.

• Annual safety allowance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Team building activities and initiatives.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• A collaborative, innovative work environment.

ABOUT PARADIGM BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Paradigm Building Solutions runs a high-end robotic manufacturing plant that produces open and closed wood wall panels in Louis Creek, B.C, only 5 minutes south of Barrière. There are only a small number of companies in the world running such high-end equipment, and we have big plans to be the market-leader in sustainable and energy-efficient prefabricated wall panels in Canada. Our company is very much data driven and we strive for excellence in everything we do.

Why Barrière, BC?

A small, quaint town located just north of Kamloops, Barrière makes the perfect spot for fishing, camping, golf, and whitewater rafting in the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Only a 30 minute drive from Kamloops, you will be close to two downhill ski mountains, miles of secluded touring roads, dozens of fresh and local farmers’ markets, and many other attractions in the heart of the Thompson Okanagan. An affordable place to live with the great outdoors as your backyard, you get the best of both worlds of close proximity to a big city but the peace and seclusion of a rural location.

Joining Paradigm Building Solutions means joining a forward-thinking company where your skills will be honed, achievements recognized, and career growth supported.