Heavy Equipment Operator — Forklift (Up to 65,000 lb Loads)
About The Position
AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe Company is hiring Heavy Equipment Operators at our East Coast Operation in Columbia, SC. At AMERICAN, we believe in doing things THE RIGHT WAY. That's why our employees earn competitive pay, receive excellent benefits and have opportunities to grow. All this while making products the world needs. As a Heavy Equipment Operator at our manufacturing and fabrication facility, you will be operating industrial lift equipment-primarily heavy-duty forklifts-handling loads up to 65,000 pounds. Safety, precision, and teamwork are essential. Our Operators use heavy-duty forklifts (65,000-lb, 55,000-lb, and 36,000-lb capacity) and other material-handling equipment to safely move, load, unload, and stage extremely heavy pipe, steel, and fabricated components. Additionally, our Heavy Equipment Operators ensure compliance with safety procedures, maintain equipment, and support production schedules across the plant.
Requirements
- Minimum 1 year experience operating heavy-capacity forklifts or comparable heavy equipment in an industrial setting.
- Demonstrated experience handling loads of 10,000 lbs +, 36,000+ lbs; experience with 65,000 lb loads strongly preferred.
- Valid forklift/operator certification for heavy-capacity equipment (company or third-party).
- Strong knowledge of rigging, load securement, and weight distribution principles.
- Ability to read load charts, basic shop drawings, and weight specifications.
- Strong attention to safety and quality; history of safe operation.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed.
- Physical ability to perform required tasks, including climbing, standing, and occasional heavy lifting.
- Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Nice To Haves
- OSHA 10/30 or equivalent safety training.
- Certified rigger/signal person or experience working with overhead cranes.
- Experience in steel, pipe, or heavy fabrication yards.
- Clean driving record.
Responsibilities
- Safely operate heavy-capacity forklifts (up to 65,000 lb rating) and related material-handling equipment.
- Load/unload trucks, move materials to/from racks, staging areas, and production lines.
- Perform pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections; report and tag defects.
- Secure loads using approved rigging and blocking methods; verify load stability and weight limits.
- Follow all safety protocols, lockout/tagout, and PPE requirements.
- Coordinate with crane operators, riggers, and production teams for safe material movement.
- Maintain accurate load, movement, and shift logs as required.
- Assist with yard organization, inventory movement, and housekeeping of work areas.
- Complete basic equipment maintenance (fluids, battery checks, tire/track inspections) and notify maintenance of issues.
Benefits
- Competitive pay and shift differentials.
- Medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Ongoing training and certification opportunities.
- Stable, safety-focused work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
