Forklift and Building Materials Operator | Weyerhaeuser Company

Job Summary

The Forklift and Building Materials Operator is a high-impact operational role at Weyerhaeuser’s brand-new distribution center located at the Port of San Antonio. This is not a traditional indoor warehouse position; it is a physically demanding, outdoor role that combines heavy machinery operation with manual labor. You will be responsible for the precision movement of large-scale wood products using high-capacity forklifts, while also performing manual tasks such as operating a 24” chainsaw and staging building materials. With a strong emphasis on “Safety Above All,” this role is critical to ensuring that Weyerhaeuser’s reputation for quality and reliability is maintained at the “last mile” of the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

High-Capacity Forklift Operation: Safely operate propane or gas sit-down forklifts (9,000 to 17,500-lb capacity) to move heavy wood products from stock lines to staging or cut stations.
Specialized Material Processing: Utilize a chainsaw with a 24” bar to cut and prepare wood products to customer specifications.
Manual Labor & Staging: Perform physical labor 55–65% of the time, including lifting up to 50 lbs and sliding/moving loads up to 100 lbs in an outdoor environment.
Inventory & Documentation: Accurately count units, record totals, and document all shipping/receiving activities using SAP or other Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Safety Leadership: Maintain a 100% commitment to safety protocols, including the correct use of PPE and proactively addressing any unsafe practices on the yard.
Logistics Accuracy: Apply basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication) to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly and inventory totals remain precise.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Forklift Expertise: Direct experience operating heavy-duty sit-down forklifts (9,000 to 17,500-lb capacity).
Technical Skills: Ability to operate a chainsaw with a 24” bar and basic proficiency with computer systems (SAP preferred).
Physical Stamina: Ability to work outside in all weather elements 5 days a week and perform heavy lifting/sliding consistently.
Mathematical Proficiency: Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform accurate inventory counts and calculations.

About the Company: Weyerhaeuser

With a legacy spanning over 120 years, Weyerhaeuser is a global leader in sustainable forest management and building product distribution. The company is defined by its core values of safety, integrity, and excellence. As a major employer at the Port of San Antonio, Weyerhaeuser offers a “small-team” feel backed by the stability of a North American giant. They are deeply committed to employee growth, safety, and fostering an inclusive environment where “every employee goes home safely each day.”

Market & Industry Context

The Port of San Antonio is a massive industrial and aerospace hub, and Weyerhaeuser’s presence there highlights the city’s role as a major logistics gateway for Texas. In the building materials industry, specialized operators—those who can both drive heavy equipment and handle raw timber—are in high demand. As San Antonio’s residential and commercial sectors continue to boom, this role is essential for keeping supply chains moving and ensuring that builders have the exact materials they need, cut to precision and delivered on time.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Senior Yard Operator / Lead: Taking on oversight responsibilities for yard safety and training new operators on specialized equipment.
Inventory Control Specialist: Transitioning into a more technical role focusing on SAP accuracy, supply chain logistics, and warehouse management.
Operations Management: Leveraging field experience to move into Supervisor or Superintendent roles within Weyerhaeuser’s national distribution network.

Interview Preparation Insights

The “Safety First” Mindset: Weyerhaeuser is “serious about safety.” Be prepared to share a specific story of a time you stopped work because you saw something unsafe.
Chainsaw & Heavy Equipment: Expect detailed questions about your experience with large-capacity forklifts. These machines handle much differently than standard warehouse lifts; emphasize your control and precision.
Outdoor Resilience: Since you’ll be in the elements (heat, rain, etc.) 5 days a week, emphasize your reliability and work ethic in non-climate-controlled environments.
Teamwork & Tech: Mention your experience with SAP or similar systems. They need operators who are “tech-savvy” enough to keep the digital inventory as accurate as the physical yard.

Estimated Compensation & Benefits

Wage: $20.00 – $23.35 per hour (Depending on experience).
Shift: First Shift (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with overtime opportunities.
Incentives: Site performance bonus plan and competitive base pay.
Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision (for self and family), 401(k) with employer contributions, and paid parental leave.

Work Environment & Location Insights

The site is located at the Port of San Antonio, roughly 10 minutes southwest of downtown. This is a fast-paced, industrial outdoor environment. You should expect a physically active workday with heavy emphasis on manual labor in the South Texas climate. The role offers the stability of a daytime schedule (Monday–Friday) with occasional Saturdays as business needs dictate.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Weyerhaeuser is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company strives to maintain a culture of inclusion and belonging, recruiting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender identity, or veteran status.

Category	Key Specifications & Data Points
Role & Location	Forklift & Building Materials Operator
Specific Site	Port of San Antonio (approx. 10 mins SW of downtown).
Wage Range	$20.00 – $23.35 per hour (Experience-based).
Schedule	First Shift: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Occasional Saturdays).
Forklift Spec	9,000 to 17,500-pound capacity (Sit-down forklift).
Physical Req.	Manual labor 55–65% of the time; lift 50lbs; slide up to 100lbs.
Special Equipment	Must be able to operate a chainsaw with a 24” bar.
Work Environment	Outside in the elements (not an indoor warehouse role).
Computer Skills	Proficiency in SAP or other Warehouse Management Systems.
Education Req.	High school diploma or GED.
Benefits	Medical/Dental/Vision, Life/AD&D, 401k, and Parental Leave.
Performance Pay	Base pay plus a site performance bonus plan.

Technical & Safety Priorities

Wood Product Expertise: The role involves cutting wood products to size and developing an in-depth knowledge of various building materials.
Accuracy Metrics: Requires strong math skills for counting units, recording totals, and documenting shipping/receiving activities.
Safety Culture: Employees are expected to proactively address unsafe practices; personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
Operational Flow: Operates between stock lines, staging areas, and cut stations to ensure efficient distribution.

The San Antonio “Local 15” Competitive Analysis

You now have 15 detailed job profiles in the San Antonio area. This Weyerhaeuser role is one of the highest-paying non-managerial manual labor roles in your set.

Role	Pay / Wage	Core Hard Skill Required
Forklift Operator (Weyerhaeuser)	$20.00 – $23.35	High-capacity Forklift + Chainsaw.
Security Officer (Allied)	$18.40	De-escalation + Patrol.
Ops Support (Saks)	$17.05 – $21.32	Luxury Retail Inventory.
PRN Caregiver (Home Care)	$17.00 – $20.00	Gait Belt / Patient Transfer.
Management Trainee (Enterprise)	~$20.90 ($50k/yr)	Bachelor’s Degree + Sales.

To apply for this job please visit www.weyerhaeuser.com.