1st Shift Forklift Operator

Job Description

1st Shift Forklift Operator – Join Vistar’s team to keep America’s food distribution moving efficiently.

• Hourly pay: $21 base plus hourly incentive opportunity up to an additional $7/hr.
• Shift: Mon‑Fri 7 am to finish.
• Freezer positions available – high‑quality freezer and safety gear provided plus $1.25/hr additional pay.
• Climate‑controlled warehouse (cool in summer, heated in winter).
• Newer assigned equipment (less than 7 years old).
• Lighter cases compared to other food distribution centers.
• Full benefits including safety bonuses, paid sick, personal days, vacation, medical, dental, 401(k), etc.

• Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401(k) Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off.
• Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America’s food distribution system.
• Safe and inclusive working environment with a culture of rewards, recognition, and respect.

Warehouse associates are the foundation of our company’s success. As a Forklift Operator, you will operate material handling equipment—such as a forklift, pallet jack, or reach truck—to move incoming freight to inventory, replenish pick slots, and ensure all safety, GMP, and quality standards are met while maintaining the efficient flow of the production process.

• Locate appropriate storage slots and set pallets in place with forklift or hand stack items.
• Count-check incoming freight in the staging area and transport to freezer with forklift or pallet jack.
• Replenish pick slots with outgoing stock items according to next day’s work orders.
• Rotate date‑sensitive stock to the front of the rack and remove outdated inventory per company policy.
• Disperse over‑stocked items to available slots for temporary storage.
• Remove empty pallets, cardboard packing, and strapping; inspect for damage and move to proper storage area.
• Follow all preferred work methods, safety policies, and procedures per company guidelines.
• Ensure work area is safe; report unsafe conditions and act immediately if necessary.
• Review work schedule, perform safety check on equipment, and obtain necessary supplies.
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Gear.
• Meet required productivity and accuracy standards per location and company guidelines.
• Work from receiving sheets, computer print‑out, established procedures, and instructions.
• Inspect items for damage, perform temperature and quality checks, and take appropriate action.
• Perform general housekeeping duties in work area.
• Replace batteries requiring recharging and complete vehicle inspection checklist.
• Secure all equipment and complete all necessary paperwork at shift end.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• 6+ months of warehouse and/or distribution work experience.
• Ability to work scheduled/assigned times with required overtime.
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, and lift repeatedly; lift, stack, and pull products off shelves weighing 10‑35 lbs, often up to 60‑90 lbs, as required by the location.
• Ability to work in multi‑temperature environments (cooler, freezer, dry).
• Pass post‑offer drug test and criminal background check.

$21/hr plus hourly incentive opportunity up to an additional $7/hr.