Forklift Operator

Job Title:

Forklift Operator Job Description

This role focuses primarily on operating forklifts to support warehouse and production activities, including unloading and loading trucks, supplying materials to production lines, and maintaining accurate inventory through basic data entry. The position requires safe and efficient operation of various types of forklifts in a fast-paced environment, adherence to company policies and food safety standards, and the ability to perform routine equipment checks and general housekeeping duties.

• Operate forklifts for approximately 90% of the workday to move raw materials, finished goods, and other products throughout the facility.
• Unload raw materials from incoming trucks, place them in designated areas, and verify counts of incoming materials.
• Load trucks with the correct raw materials and finished goods, checking quantities and product accuracy during loading.
• Supply bottles and other materials to production lines to ensure continuous and efficient production flow.
• Operate stand-up, sit-down, propane, electric, reach truck, and VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) forklifts safely in a high-paced, potentially stressful environment.
• Use a computer and RF scanner to perform basic data entry, inventory updates, and order picking tasks.
• Perform routine pre-operation checks on forklifts each day, including inspecting oil, water, and other fluid levels, and add fluids as necessary.
• Carry out material handling duties such as loading, unloading, order picking, and inventory movements as directed by supervision.
• Represent the company in a positive and professional manner at all times while interacting with coworkers and visitors.
• Follow all company policies, safety requirements, and food safety and food quality procedures, including SQF standards.
• Identify and promptly report any food safety or food quality issues to a person with the authority to take corrective action.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure that assigned areas are cleaned at the end of each shift.
• Be available to work overtime as needed to meet operational demands.
• Perform any additional driving or warehouse activities assigned by supervision.
• Demonstrate aptitude and reliability that may lead to opportunities to work in the office in the future.

• Proven ability to operate forklifts safely and efficiently, including stand-up, sit-down, propane, electric, reach truck, and VNA equipment.
• Forklift certification or the ability to become certified according to company requirements.
• Experience with warehouse operations, including loading, unloading, material handling, and inventory movements.
• Ability to read and write in English to follow instructions, complete documentation, and perform basic data entry.
• Basic computer skills to operate warehouse software and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to use RF scanners for inventory control, order picking, and tracking materials.
• Physical ability to occasionally lift and move more than 60 pounds as part of regular warehouse duties.
• Capability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining safety and accuracy.
• Understanding of food safety and food quality concepts, including SQF, and willingness to follow related procedures.
• Strong attention to detail when checking counts and verifying product quantities during loading and unloading.

• Experience in general warehouse environments, including non-climate-controlled facilities.
• Experience in material handling, inventory control, and order picking.
• Comfort working with production lines and supplying materials to manufacturing operations.
• Willingness to learn and operate Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) equipment and other specialized warehouse machinery.
• Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and minor fluid maintenance on forklifts.
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and positive attitude that can lead to expanded responsibilities, including potential office work opportunities.

This opportunity offers a dynamic, hands-on work environment where your skills in equipment operation and warehouse support are valued and developed. You will work with a team that prioritizes safety, food quality, and operational excellence, with clear procedures and standards to guide your work. As you demonstrate aptitude, reliability, and initiative, you can gain access to additional responsibilities and potential office-based opportunities, supporting long-term growth and development in your career.

The role is based in a non-climate-controlled warehouse and production facility, where temperatures may vary with the seasons. You will spend most of your time operating forklifts and handling materials around production lines, loading docks, and storage areas. The environment is fast-paced and can be stressful at times, requiring constant attention to safety and efficiency. You will use a variety of equipment, including stand-up and sit-down…