Forklift Operator - St. Louis, MO

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Watco's Forklift Operator in St Louis offers a full-time role that keeps operations moving with safety and teamwork at its core. You will operate forklifts from 8k to 65k+, perform pre use inspections, communicate with shift stakeholders, wear required PPE, and commit to flexible schedules including nights, overtime, weekends, and holidays. The role prizes dependability, adherence to safety programs, and the ability to follow instructions; three years of forklift experience and knowledge of load distribution are preferred, with certification a plus. Benefits include competitive pay, paid on the job training, development through Watco University, and clear advancement paths. When applying, highlight safety records, forklift certifications, and WMS experience.

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.

Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

As a Forklift Operator, this role supports the efficiency of operations at a high-level performance with a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. The team members must be dependable, follow company safety protocols, wear required PPE, and be available for shift work, overtime, and off-hour responses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts 8k-65k and up depending on skillset
• Perform inspections of equipment being utilized prior to use and during use as needed
• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence
• Communicates with operational stake holders throughout shift
• Wearing all Watco and OSHA mandated personal protective equipment
• Able to work with a team, take direction and follow work rules, as well as take on additional job responsibilities as needed
• Demonstrate knowledge of company safety programs

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Knowledge of weight limits, load distribution, and material storage protocols 
• 3 years of experience working with or around forklifts, with demonstrated skill in safe load handling, stacking, and maneuvering in confined spaces preferred
• Basic mechanical skills with knowledge of equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance preferred
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) or handheld scanners preferred
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including day and night shifts, with availability for overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs
• Forklift Operator certification preferred

Education