Responsible for assembling, loading, and unloading building materials, often using a forklift, to prepare them for delivery. Key duties include accurately building loads that are safe for transport, organizing the lumber yard, and maintaining communication with the team. The role requires physical strength to lift heavy materials and adherence to strict safety procedures.

Core responsibilities

• Load and unload materials: Operate equipment like forklifts to load and unload lumber and other building supplies from trucks, pallets, and customer vehicles.
• Build loads: Determine the composition, weight, and placement of materials to create a balanced, safe, and stable load according to customer orders and delivery vehicle capacity.
• Secure loads: Use bracing and strapping to secure materials to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
• Maintain the yard: Keep the lumber yard clean, organized, and safe, which includes putting stock away and assisting customers in the yard.
• Follow instructions: Read work orders and follow oral instructions to determine which materials to move, build, and where to place them.
• Communicate: Inform management of any delays or discrepancies and communicate with team members regarding product and delivery status.

Required skills and qualifications

• Physical ability: The ability to consistently lift and carry heavy loads (often up to 75-100 pounds) and perform tasks like pushing, pulling, climbing, or kneeling.
• Equipment operation: Experience operating a forklift is often required or preferred, and forklift certification may be necessary.
• Attention to detail: The ability to accurately read work orders and ensure the correct products and quantities are loaded.
• Safety awareness: A strong understanding of safety procedures to prevent injury to themselves and others.
• Problem-solving: The ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions and deal with standardized situations.