Forklift Operator - Starting at $20.10/hr.

Graham Packaging is hiring a Forklift Operator for their facility in Redings Mill, MO, offering a starting pay of $20.10/hr. The role involves safely operating forklifts, material handling, and supporting production in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Employees are encouraged to foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The position requires working rotating 12-hour shifts, emphasizing active engagement and collaboration.
Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life.

For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.

At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce.

We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do—together—to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.


Graham Packaging Company is seeking dependable, safety-focused team members for our Forklift Operator / Packaging Specialist role in Joplin, MO.



B Shift | Day Shift | 6:45 AM – 7:30 PM | Rotating 12-Hour Schedule




This is a dual-role position that combines forklift operation, material handling, and production support in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

If you enjoy staying active, working with equipment, supporting production teams, and being part of a company that values safety and teamwork, we encourage you to apply.


This role is responsible for safely operating forklifts, supplying production lines with materials, moving finished goods to warehouse storage, and supporting packaging operations as needed. Team members in this role play a key part in keeping production running efficiently.

Forklift / Material HandlingSafely operate forklifts to move raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goodsSupply production lines with pallets, corrugated cases, dividers, slip sheets, glue, and other materialsRemove finished product from lines and transport to staging, stretch wrap, or warehouse storageLoad and unload trailers as neededStore materials neatly and accurately in designated warehouse locationsComplete daily forklift safety inspections and battery checksChange batteries and maintain battery watering procedures when neededProduction / Packaging SupportAssist production team members with breaks and lunchesSupport packaging lines by keeping materials stocked and production flowingSet up rework, hold product, and special packaging requests as directedVisually inspect pallets and packaging for quality, damage, and accuracyMaintain clean, organized, and safe work areasDocumentation / CommunicationComplete required paperwork accurately and legiblyTrack material usage, product movement, and inventory transactionsCommunicate shortages, damaged materials, low inventory, or operational issues to leadershipAssist with cycle counts and physical inventories
Minimum of 1 year forklift experience preferred.

Forklift Operators are required to interact with other managers, employees, vendors, and customers. Therefore, the following skills and proficiencies are also essential requirements of the position:

Prior forklift experience preferred (training may be provided for qualified candidates)Manufacturing, warehouse, or production experience preferredAbility to work safely in a fast-paced industrial environmentAbility to lift, bend, stand, walk, and work a 12-hour shiftStrong attendance and dependabilityAbility to work well with teammates and supervisorsBasic reading, writing, and documentation skills
The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.
Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.