Forklift​/Dolly Operator - 1st Shift

Job Overview

As a General Production team member at Smithfield Foods, you will play a key role in delivering safe, high‑quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting coworkers. You will maintain a safe and efficient production line, help ensure products reach families across America, and contribute to a positive work environment.

• Operate hand tools, knives, machinery, and other equipment to process meat products.
• Work with forklift/pallet jack as required.
• Complete all company‑required paperwork to document periodic quality checks, account for product produced, and provide other records as required.
• Read schedule and move pallets to organize pallet picking (BIN‑to‑BIN movements, coolers, docks).
• Perform pallet picking for deliveries and ship the quantity of product called for.
• Check product for non‑conformances per product specification.
• Keep inventory of all packaging, ingredients, operational supplies entering or exiting the warehouse.
• Verify pack slip matches count and item; issue operational supplies on form in PPE room.
• Identify missing, lost or damaged material and notify supervisor.
• Load and unload trucks, pull/return supply orders, mark and label stock, perform stock rotation.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by keeping shelves, pallet area, and workstations neat.
• Comply with all QA forms and follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform tasks requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing and extending arms.
• Stand on concrete or platforms up to a 12‑hour shift.
• Work around animal blood, carcass parts, knives (if trained), in cold (20–40°F) or hot (over 100°F) environments.
• Work in wet, humid, noisy environment while wearing PPE.
• Use sanitation/cleaning chemicals; work around strong smells/odors.
• Climb or move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways, platforms, bend, stoop, twist repetitively.
• Walk long distances.

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Willingly and able to work scheduled shift; overtime may be required.
• Forklift or Pallet Jack experience is required.
• Ability to read and follow schedule, comply with safety and quality procedures.
• Physical ability to lift up to 30lb regularly and single lift up to 60lb with mechanical assistance.

• Ability to perform continuous/repetitive movements (grasping, pinching, flexing, extending arms).
• Stand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12‑hour shift.
• Work around animal blood, carcass parts, knives (if trained).
• Work in cold and/or hot environments.
• Work in wet and humid environment; use hand/eye protection, steel‑toed shoes, hard hat.
• Work with sanitation chemicals.
• Work around strong smells/odors.
• Climb, move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways, platforms.
• Bend, stoop, twist repetitively over the shift.
• Walk long distances.

• Hourly Competitive Starting Pay – $22.25 per hour.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits, and more.
• Education benefit available to full‑ and part‑time team members.
• Relocation Package available.

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic as required by law. If you have a disability and would like a reasonable accommodation, please call 757‑357‑1595.

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