14 Tonne Forklift Driver

Principle Objective Reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Shift Team Lead, the 14 Tonne Forklift Driver is responsible for the safe, efficient movement, loading, and storage of timber products and log stock within the log yard and sawmill environment.

The role plays a critical part in ensuring continuous material flow to production, maintaining safety standards, and supporting overall operational efficiency.

Knowledge & Experience

– Proven experience operating heavy forklift trucks (preferably 8T–14T or above)

– Valid forklift licence/certification (or willingness to obtain/renew)

– Strong understanding of safe material handling practices

– Experience in a busy industrial, manufacturing, or outdoor environment

– High level of safety awareness and personal responsibility

– Experience in sawmill, timber, forestry, or similar heavy industry

– Familiarity with handling large, irregular loads (logs/timber packs) 1

– Tractor or additional plant operation experience

– Basic mechanical knowledge for routine equipment checks

Key Responsibilities

– Operate a 14 tonne forklift truck to transport logs, sawn timber, and materials safely across the site

– Load and unload timber, packs, and log deliveries efficiently and accurately

– Support the feeding and movement of materials to maintain production flow

– Stack and organise timber in designated storage areas to maximise space and accessibility

– Carry out daily pre-use checks and basic maintenance inspections on equipment

– Identify and report any defects, faults, or maintenance issues promptly

– Ensure all tasks are completed in line with health, safety, and environmental procedures

– Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly working environment (housekeeping standards)

– Work collaboratively with log yard, production, and transport teams

– Assist with general log yard duties as required

– Participate in training, safety briefings, and operational improvement initiatives

Essential Competencies

– Operate a 14 tonne forklift truck to transport logs, sawn timber, and materials safely across the site – Load and unload timber, packs, and log deliveries efficiently and accurately

– Support the feeding and movement of materials to maintain production flow

– Stack and organise timber in designated storage areas to maximise space and accessibility

– Carry out daily pre-use checks and basic maintenance inspections on equipment

– Identify and report any defects, faults, or maintenance issues promptly

– Ensure all tasks are completed in line with health, safety, and environmental procedures

– Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly working environment (housekeeping standards)

– Work collaboratively with log yard, production, and transport teams

– Assist with general log yard duties as required

– Participate in training, safety briefings, and operational improvement initiatives

Key Performance Measures

– Adherence to health and safety standards (zero harm objective)

– Efficiency of material movement and supply to production

– Accuracy of loading/unloading operations

– Reduction in damage to timber or equipment 2

– Equipment care and reporting of maintenance issues

– Housekeeping and organisation of yard areas

– Attendance, punctuality, and overall contribution to team performance

Key Relationships

– Shift Supervisor / Team Lead

– Sawmill Production Teams

– Transport / Logistics Teams

– Maintenance and Engineering Teams

– Health, Safety & Environmental Personnel