Forklift Operator

Job Description

Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role operates sit-down propane forklifts in a climate-controlled, clean food manufacturing warehouse. You will primarily work in the receiving area, where the forklifts are narrower than standard models and the racking offers very tight clearances, requiring confident and experienced forklift operation. You will spend most of your shift on a forklift, loading and unloading trucks, moving materials throughout the warehouse, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds while supporting efficient shipping and receiving operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down propane forklifts safely and efficiently throughout the shift, including in narrow aisles with tight clearances.
• Load and unload trucks, ensuring materials move accurately and efficiently between shipping, receiving, and storage areas.
• Ensure all packaged materials are correctly labeled and stored in the appropriate warehouse locations.
• Stage loads for trucks scheduled for the next morning, organizing pallets and materials according to shipping priorities.
• Communicate regularly with the shipping team and leadership to stay informed about upcoming trucks, production schedules, and changing priorities.
• Understand and follow established shipping and receiving procedures, including documentation and workflow requirements.
• Produce accurate, legible paperwork for all shipping, receiving, and inventory transactions.
• Use RF scanners and related warehouse equipment to track inventory movement and maintain accurate records.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts of the finished goods warehouse, identifying and resolving any inventory discrepancies.
• Maintain a clean and organized shipping and receiving area, including regular housekeeping and adherence to food facility cleanliness standards.
• Handle pallets and materials using pallet jacks and other material handling equipment as needed.
• Follow all safety guidelines and standard operating procedures for forklift operation and food manufacturing environments.

Essential Skills

• Proven forklift experience, specifically operating sit-down propane forklifts.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts in narrow aisles and tight clearances.
• Experience with loading and unloading trucks in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed during the shift.
• Material handling experience, including moving, staging, and organizing pallets and finished goods.
• Ability to read, complete, and maintain accurate and legible paperwork.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with shipping teams and leadership throughout the shift.
• Ability to follow shipping and receiving procedures and standard operating processes.
• Comfort using RF scanners or similar inventory tracking devices.
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and organization in a shipping and receiving area.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a food manufacturing or food-grade facility.
• Familiarity with pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment.
• Attention to detail when performing inventory counts and resolving discrepancies.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and production schedules.
• Strong awareness of safety practices in a warehouse and forklift environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Long Prairie, MN.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Long Prairie,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.