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Counterbalance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forklift Operator

Linden, NJ · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Operating counterbalance and stand-up forklifts as needed * Moving product and materials throughout the production floor safely and efficiently * Following all GMP, food safety, and warehouse safety ...

Forklift Operator

Linden, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

What You'll Be Doing Operating Raymond Deep Reach trucks as the primary equipment -- this is the most critical skill for this role Operating counterbalance and stand-up forklifts as needed Moving ...

Material Handler

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

... counterbalance reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficientlyInspect material handling equipment before use and report maintenance or safety ...

Material Handler

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Operate forklifts, electric counterbalance reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently * Inspect material handling equipment before use and ...

Forklift Operator

East Haven, CT · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Counterbalance Effect; Stability Triangle; Center of Gravity; Equipment Terminology; Attachments/Load centers; Battery Inspection; and Material handling including loading and de-stacking, unloading ...

Material Handler

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Operate forklifts, electric counterbalance reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently * Inspect material handling equipment before use and ...

Forklift Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Operate order picker, pallet jack, reach truck, and counterbalance forklifts * Handle loading and unloading of goods * Move inventory accurately within the warehouse * Perform regular equipment ...

Receiver II

North Port, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Sitdown counterbalance forklift * AS400 navigation (transactions 1-75) * RFID systems Qualifications * Advanced warehouse and receiving experience required * Strong understanding of load securement ...

Material Handler

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Operate forklifts, electric counterbalance reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently * Inspect material handling equipment before use and ...

Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). * May be assigned other duties to support business needs. Required ...

Fulfillment Department Supervisor

Franklin, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). Minimum Qualifications • High School diploma or GED and 3-5 Years of ...

Showing results 21-40

Counterbalance information

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$14

$19

$25

How much do counterbalance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for counterbalance in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counterbalance forklift operator?

Counterbalance forklift operators are professionals trained to operate counterbalance forklifts, which are the most common type of forklift used in warehouses and industrial settings. These forklifts have forks at the front and a weight at the back to balance heavy loads, allowing operators to lift, move, and stack materials safely and efficiently. Operators need to be certified and skilled in maneuvering the forklift in tight spaces, following safety protocols, and conducting basic equipment checks. Their work is critical for maintaining smooth logistics and inventory management in a variety of industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counterbalance forklift operator?

To excel as a Counterbalance Forklift Operator, you need a valid forklift license, strong spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of warehouse safety protocols. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory scanners, and various forklift models is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient material handling and help maintain smooth warehouse operations while minimizing accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by counterbalance forklift operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Counterbalance forklift operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight spaces, handling heavy or awkward loads, and maintaining safety in busy warehouse environments. To address these, operators should receive thorough training, stay vigilant about their surroundings, and communicate clearly with team members. Regular equipment checks and adherence to safety protocols are also essential to minimize risks and ensure efficient workflow. Building good relationships with supervisors and co-workers can further help operators manage tasks smoothly and respond effectively to unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Counterbalance vs Reach Truck Operator?

AspectCounterbalanceReach Truck Operator
CertificationsForklift certification, OSHA complianceForklift certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentGround-level warehouse, loading docksWarehouse aisles, racking systems
Industry UsageWarehousing, manufacturing, logisticsWarehousing, distribution centers
Common TasksLoading/unloading, transporting palletsPicking, stacking, retrieving pallets at height

Counterbalance and Reach Truck Operators both require forklift certifications and work in warehouse environments. Counterbalance operators typically handle ground-level tasks like loading and transporting pallets, while Reach Truck Operators work within racking systems, retrieving items at height. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and job requirements.

How long is a counterbalance course?

A counterbalance forklift training course typically lasts between one to three days, depending on the provider and the depth of instruction. The course covers safety, operation skills, and may include both classroom and practical components, leading to certification required for employment. Duration can vary based on experience level and specific workplace requirements.
More about Counterbalance jobs

What cities are hiring for Counterbalance jobs?

Cities with the most Counterbalance job openings:

Infographic showing various Counterbalance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,590 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Stevedore - Days

Patriot Rail

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Patriot Rail rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Equipment Operator- Stevedore - Days Job Description Are you looking for a fast paced, forward thinking, and strategically growing company where you can affect change. Then Patriot Rail is where you need to be. Patriot Rail is the only blue water/rail-services company in North America.

Patriot prides itself in providing bundled and customized port and rail solutions for its customers. The rail system, traversing 14 U.S. states, includes 12 railroads with over 600 total rail miles, as well as, 5 repair and switching locations

Our ports span 5 breakbulk, bulk, and heavy lift terminals and 2 Container, RoRo, and LoLo terminals in the South-Eastern and South-Central United States. We're well on our way to be one of the true legendary companies in North America. SUMMARY OF POSITION: Operates differing sizes of forklifts and other company equipment in a safe manner to stack and retrieve supplies and materials while maintaining inventory and ensuring production area organization and cleanliness.

This position is employed by an affiliated company of Patriot Rail. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Lifts stacks un-stacks and moves materials using diesel electric or gas powered trucks equipped with fork or clamp attachments. Ensures goods are stored in the correct area for efficient retrieval.

Loads and unloads transport vehicles. May perform variety of manual duties including lashing and shoring cargo aboard ship attaching slings hooks or other lifting devices to winch for loading or unloading and signaling other workers to move, raise or lower cargo. May direct activities of cargo gang or less experienced stevedores.

Keeps a record of daily operations. Performs quality checking responsibilities as required. Additional duties as assigned.EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Can pass written and equipment operation forklift certification test

Basic knowledge area's include: Safety Procedures; Truck Inspections; Storage and Exchange Points; Counterbalance Effect; Stability Triangle; Center of Gravity; Equipment Terminology; Attachments, Load centers; Battery Inspection; and Material handling including loading and de-stacking, unloading and stacking of counterbalance, traveling, Ramps, Trailers and parking. Ability to work overtime during the week or on weekends Excellent communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills ability to communicate with diverse personalities Resourceful, well organized and dependable.

High School or Equivalent COMPETENCIES: Verbal comprehension Understand oral and written communications, both general and technical. Communication skills Provide clear instructions/directions. Reasoning skills Problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

Time Management Values time and manages time effectively. Effectively prioritizes and can manage a broad range of activities PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Required to lift up to 60 lbs on an intermittent basis.

The employee is frequently required to sit with alternate standing. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is subject to outside weather conditions or a covered warehouse environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ANTICIPATED PERCENT OF TRAVEL: 0%-10% SAFTEY: Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company. Our employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility.

We are professionals and our activities must reflect that professionalism. Each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day - regardless of their role in the Company. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others.

"The Patriot Way." At Patriot, we value our relationships - with our customers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders. We know that safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior and exceptional customer service are critical to building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone at Patriot - from the mailroom to the boardroom - embraces those values

More importantly, as a team, we make it our business to demonstrate them in everything we do. It's "The Patriot Way."EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Can pass written and equipment operation forklift certification test. Basic knowledge area's include: Safety Procedures; Truck Inspections; Storage and Exchange Points; Counterbalance Effect; Stability Triangle; Center of Gravity; Equipment Terminology; Attachments, Load centers; Battery Inspection; and Material handling including loading and de-stacking, unloading and stacking of counterbalance, traveling, Ramps, Trailers and parking

Ability to work overtime during the week or on weekends Excellent communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills ability to communicate with diverse personalities Resourceful, well organized and dependable. High School or Equivalent COMPETENCIES: Verbal comprehension Understand oral and written communications, both general and technical.

Communication skills Provide clear instructions/directions. Reasoning skills Problem solving and troubleshooting skills. Time Management Values time and manages time effectively.

Effectively prioritizes and can manage a broad range of activities PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Required to lift up to 60 lbs on an intermittent basis. The employee is frequently required to sit with alternate standing.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is subject to outside weather conditions or a covered warehouse environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. ANTICIPATED PERCENT OF TRAVEL: 0%-10% SAFTEY: Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company.

Our employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility. We are professionals and our activities must reflect that professionalism.

Each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day - regardless of their role in the Company. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others. "The Patriot Way." At Patriot, we value our relationships - with our customers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders

We know that safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior and exceptional customer service are critical to building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone at Patriot - from the mailroom to the boardroom - embraces those values. More importantly, as a team, we make it our business to demonstrate them in everything we do.

It's "The Patriot Way."


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