Forklift Operator Lead

Primary Responsibility

Under general supervision, ensures safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to sit‑down and stand‑up forklifts, stand‑up straddle trucks, walk‑behind forklifts, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment. Additionally, up to 25% of the job includes assisting the supervisor in coordinating workflow and recommending work assignments, training other associates, ensuring on‑time completion of assignments, and ensuring compliance with safety and work procedures.

• Up to 25% of the job is directing the work of others, reviewing schedule with supervisor at the beginning of the shift, discussing the daily plan and objectives, assisting in training other associates, and advising the supervisor of any problems during the shift.
• Load and unload freight using equipment in an efficient and safe manner.
• Move product to storage areas with proper equipment.
• Efficiently stack and store merchandise in the appropriate area.
• Pick orders for shipment and assemble various types of merchandise to be shipped.
• Check or count freight for accuracy and/or damage and infestation.
• Assist in maintaining the security of the warehouse.
• Conduct operations in a manner that promotes safety.
• Participate in physical inventories, as needed.
• Perform labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking.
• Operate equipment safely and efficiently. Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand‑up forklift, stand‑up straddle truck, walk‑behind forklifts, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.
• Report all safety malfunctions on equipment.
• Comply with OSHA standards.
• Follow attendance policy, show up for work on time and ready to work assigned shift.
• Must be able to meet production standards.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work environment.
• Charge or change forklift battery as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned; may be required to perform duties outside of normal responsibilities from time to time.

• High school diploma or GED preferred; three (3) months’ related experience preferred.
• Relevant certifications.
• Some computer skills.

• Requires ability to work independently.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule.
• Occasionally works overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or attend meetings.
• Requires the ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.
• Experience as a Lead Warehouse Worker: up to one year experience as a warehouse worker, able to schedule trucks and assign tasks, and teamwork skills.
• Tools and Technology: computer, warehouse management system and related components; pallet jack, high lift, sit‑down or stand‑up lift truck, hi‑lift, RC.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions for this position and meet the physical requirements needed to perform them, including but not limited to frequently requiring the ability to drive a forklift, sit, hear or talk, use close vision, use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, and type and manipulate controls. Employee is occasionally required to use distance vision, stand, kneel or crouch.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• May be required to tolerate working environments with indoor controlled temperatures of
  -15°F and outdoor ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Must tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside a safety cage.
• May stand to rebuild pallets with products. Requires tolerance of standing posture up to 5 hours, over an 8‑hour shift.
• Must transfer boxes weighing up to 55 lb. from ground level to 80 inches in height and up 70 lb. to 50 inches in height while rebuilding pallets; lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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