Forklift Operator

Primary Responsibility

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit‑down and stand‑up forklifts, high‑reach forklifts, stand‑up straddle trucks, walk‑behind units, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio‑frequency equipment.

5 days on, 2 days off.

• One year of recent sit‑down forklift experience.

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout the facility.
• Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
• Operate equipment (sit‑down and stand‑up forklifts, high‑reach forklifts, stand‑up straddle trucks, walk‑behind units, single and double pallet jacks, and RF scanners) in compliance with OSHA standards, promoting safety.
• Meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes, and may be required to perform duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Three months of related work experience preferred.

• Ability to work independently.
• Availability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or attend meetings as assigned, and adherence to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.

• Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Must tolerate environments with controlled temperatures ranging from 32°F to –45°F, and outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold, and precipitation).
• Must tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and access elevated products from inside a safety cage.
• May stand to rebuild pallets with products; tolerance for standing posture up to 5 hours over an 8‑10‑12 hour shift. Occasionally required to walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must lift boxes weighing 10–55 lbs. from ground level to 80 inches in height, and up 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height when rebuilding pallets without assistance. Must lift and carry product over a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical aid.
• Wear clothing, boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects; reach with arms; speak and hear.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards/requirements.

The Company’s good‑faith estimate of the compensation range for this position at the time of posting is $22.98 hourly.

Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off. Some benefits may vary depending on the position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The work environment characteristics described here represent the typical environment for this position. The Company makes reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW.

At Americold, we emphasize employee well‑being, supporting health, financial stability, and future growth. Our associates experience opportunity, purpose, and a values‑driven culture. By joining, you help our customers feed the world.