Forklift Operator

JOB SUMMARY

Ensures efficient inbound and outbound movement of product using a forklift or reach lift and moves materials to and from warehouse, production, packing house departments.  Ensures perishable product is rotated to minimize spoilage.  Ensures that product is brought to production rooms in a timely manner. Maintains active forklift certification and completes related training.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Routinely operates a forklift or reach lift to receive, load, unload, move stock, inventory, or equipment as needed within a warehouse, production or packing house environment. Duties include:  

 Job Description:
 

• Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas utilizing forklift, pallet jacks or other machinery
• Inspects equipment before use and reports malfunctions, repairs needed or concerns. 
• Maintain inventory of supplies.  Rotate stock as required.
• Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information
• Read work orders to receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or equipment needs.
• Stack cargo in locations as required using forklifts, pallet jacks or cargo boards.
• Ensures that all equipment is in safe and operating status.  Ensures that any issues are addressed and corrected in a timely manner.
• Identify damage, report shortages and quality deficiencies.
• Transport raw materials, ingredients, or inventory to workstations. 
• Complete paperwork as necessary and in a timely manner.
• Observes mechanical devices in operation, listens to their sounds and may troubleshoot equipment to locate causes of trouble.
• Supervise and ensure that warehouse is cleaned on a regular basis including waste disposal as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Plant Manager or Warehouse Manager
• Performs other duties as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent education. 
• Previous experience on forklift preferred  
• Experience using an Inventory Scan gun and Warehouse Inventory System is preferred
• Ability to become a certified operator prior to operating equipment 
• Must have a clean driving record and able to operate equipment safely
• Experience working in a chilled food factory or related environment is preferred
• Good knowledge and understanding of Safe work practices common to the trades
• Bilingual (Spanish / English) helpful
• Basic computer skills (Word and Excel) preferred.     

 SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of safe work practices in a food warehouse or manufacturing environment
• Ability to work in a cold/ damp environment for extended periods
• Must be able to complete common paperwork related to shipping, receiving and material handling
• Ability to read computer generated reports
• Must have strong interpersonal and employee relation skills
• Ability to read, comprehend and speak professionally with team members
• Must have basic mathematical skills 

 WORK DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this Job work is primarily performed in a chilled environment or maintenance shop. Regularly required to stand, walk, squat, stoop, bend, reach, talk or hear. Required to use hands and fingers finger, handle, lift, feel, push or pull objects. Exerts up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs of force frequently.  Often required to lift and carry 10 lbs force constantly to move objects. Exposed to chilled or warm temperatures within the operation.     Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.