About Mohawk Industries

Mohawk Industries stands as the world's largest flooring company, a global leader in innovative flooring solutions with over 40,000 dedicated employees across more than 100 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia, Mohawk produces premium carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, and stone flooring, serving residential, commercial, and builder markets. With annual revenues exceeding $11 billion, Mohawk's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality has earned it top rankings in Forbes' World's Best Employers list. In Dalton, Georgia—known as the 'Flooring Capital of the World'—Mohawk operates key plants driving North American production. Joining Mohawk means contributing to a legacy of excellence while enjoying stability in a thriving industry projected to grow 5% annually through 2030.

Role Overview

The Lift Truck Operator II - B Shift position at Mohawk Industries in Dalton, Georgia, is a full-time role perfect for skilled warehouse professionals seeking reliable employment in manufacturing. B Shift typically runs afternoons to evenings (e.g., 3 PM to 11 PM), offering shift differentials for premium pay. As a Lift Truck Operator II, you'll play a critical role in our supply chain, safely operating powered industrial trucks to transport materials throughout our state-of-the-art flooring production facility. This position demands precision, safety focus, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment handling carpet rolls, tiles, and pallets. With Mohawk's emphasis on employee safety—boasting injury rates 50% below industry averages—you'll thrive in a supportive setting that values your expertise.

Why This Role Matters

In Mohawk's Dalton operations, Lift Truck Operators ensure seamless material flow, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. This Level II role builds on basic forklift skills, involving complex maneuvers and inventory tasks essential to producing millions of square feet of flooring daily.

Key Responsibilities

As a Lift Truck Operator II, your daily duties will include:

• Operating sit-down forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, and pallet jacks to transport raw materials, finished goods, and pallets across the warehouse and production floors.
• Loading and unloading trucks, staging materials for production lines, and securing loads to prevent damage or injury.
• Performing pre- and post-shift equipment inspections, reporting issues, and conducting minor maintenance to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
• Utilizing RF scanners and warehouse management systems to track inventory, update locations, and maintain accurate stock levels.
• Collaborating with production teams to fulfill material requests promptly, supporting just-in-time manufacturing processes.
• Adhering to all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, PPE usage, and hazard identification to maintain a zero-incident workplace.

These responsibilities highlight the dynamic nature of the role, blending technical operation with logistical precision in a high-volume flooring manufacturing setting.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as a Lift Truck Operator II at Mohawk Industries, candidates should possess:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid forklift operator certification (Mohawk provides recertification training).
• 1-2 years of experience operating lift trucks in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and work at heights via lifts.
• Strong attention to detail, basic math skills for inventory counts, and proficiency with scanning technology.
• Availability for B Shift (afternoon/evening) and occasional overtime.

No prior flooring industry experience required—Mohawk's onboarding equips you with specialized knowledge. Physical fitness and a safety-first mindset are paramount.

Benefits & Perks

Mohawk Industries offers industry-leading benefits to support your well-being and financial security:

• Competitive hourly wages with B Shift premium pay, estimated at $20-$25/hour based on experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with low premiums and HSA contributions.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% company match and immediate vesting.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Employee discounts on Mohawk flooring products, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year, and wellness programs including gym memberships.
• Shift meals, uniforms, and safety gear provided at no cost.

These perks underscore Mohawk's investment in employees as long-term partners.

Career Growth & Training

Mohawk fosters advancement through structured programs like the Operator Development Path, promoting 70% of leaders from within. Lift Truck Operator II graduates often move to Lead Operator, Supervisor, or Maintenance Technician roles. Expect 40+ hours of initial training on equipment, safety, and systems, plus ongoing certifications. Mohawk University offers free online courses in leadership, Lean Six Sigma, and technical skills, positioning you for salary increases averaging 10-15% with promotions.

Why Join Mohawk

Choose Mohawk for job security in Dalton's flooring hub, where unemployment is low and demand is high. Enjoy a diverse, inclusive culture recognized by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace. With global reach yet local roots, you'll impact homes worldwide while building a stable career. Dalton's cost of living is 20% below national average, amplifying your earning power.

Role FAQs

What is the work schedule for Lift Truck Operator II - B Shift?

B Shift at Mohawk's Dalton facility typically runs 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with potential weekends during peak production. Shift differentials add 10-15% to base pay.

What are the main skills needed for this forklift operator job?

Key skills include forklift certification, safe load handling, RF scanning, and inventory accuracy. Mohawk trains on specific equipment used in flooring manufacturing.

Does Mohawk provide forklift training or certification?

Yes, certified trainers provide OSHA-compliant forklift training and recertification every 3 years at no cost to employees.

What safety measures are in place for lift truck operators?

Mohawk enforces daily inspections, collision avoidance tech on lifts, mandatory PPE, and a safety incentive program rewarding incident-free performance.