Demo

1st shift Forklift Operator

Central Garden & Pet
Chilton, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 1/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/15/2026
Description

Central Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 1st Shift Forklift Operator to join our team in Distribution Center at Kaytee in Chilton, WI. In this role you will be responsible for accurately picking and preparing orders, unloading trucks, loading trucks, and moving material throughout the facility. This position will also be responsible for some inventory functions including cycle counts.

At Kaytee, you have the opportunity to work with products for birds, hamsters, rabbits and other small animals. We offer a safe, clean work environment with an onsite fitness center and an onsite Health & Wellness clinic for employees and their families. Other benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, free life and disability insurance and a full 3% match on your 401k contributions, along with a yearly profit-sharing bonus. If you find your skills match the qualifications we are seeking below, we invite you to apply for this position!

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely, accurately and efficiently operating a forklift (sit-down/stand-up) and/or handcart.
  • Accurately complete RF scanner functions affecting inventory, and paperwork.
  • Move product to appropriate storage locations.
  • Load trucks (as assigned).
  • Unload trucks (as assigned).
  • Pick Orders (as assigned).
  • Ability to operate a forklift throughout the facility safely.
  • Keeps the work area clean and orderly.
  • Understand and support the goals and objectives of the department.
  • Other tasks assigned by supervisor.
  • Responsible for reporting any Food Safety issues to authorized personnel for correction.

Qualifications

  • Previous forklift (sit-down/stand-up) or handcart experience (preferred).
  • Comfortable with the use of an RF Scanner (will train).
  • Must be able to perform basic math skills.
  • Must have the ability to lift/handle up to 30 lbs. on a frequent basis.
  • Must have the ability to lift/handle 31-60 lbs. on a moderate basis.
  • Ability to work safely and efficiently.
  • A Kaytee certification in forklift driving is required (will train).
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others and work in a team environment.
  • Must have solid organizational skills.
  • Ability to work overtime as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is performed in a warehouse environment.
  • Warehouse temperatures can vary due to outside temperatures.
  • Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours (on each respective shift) and average at least 40 hours a week.
  • There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

Benefits Package & Employee Programs

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
  • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Access to on-demand pay
  • Paid parental leave
  • On-site Wellness Center
  • 24HR on-site gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary.com Estimation for 1st shift Forklift Operator in Chilton, WI
$40,086 to $49,266
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a 1st shift Forklift Operator?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the 1st shift Forklift Operator career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$39,089 - $49,080
Income Estimation: 
$47,432 - $61,916
Income Estimation: 
$46,327 - $63,969
Income Estimation: 
$46,554 - $64,445
Income Estimation: 
$60,133 - $74,224
Income Estimation: 
$71,801 - $101,292
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Central Garden & Pet

  • Central Garden & Pet Anchorage, AK
  • Description Central Pet Distribution is Hiring Part Time Merchandisers! 20-25 Hours per week! Weekends and Evenings Off! Do you love pets and love working ... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Central Garden & Pet Beaverton, OR
  • Description Our Garden Group, providing sales support and logistics for both proprietary brands and other consumer recognized brands, is searching for a fu... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Central Garden & Pet Waldorf, MD
  • Description Our Garden Group, providing sales support and logistics for both proprietary brands and other consumer recognized brands, is searching for a fu... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Central Garden & Pet Chilton, WI
  • Description Central Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 2nd Shift Maintenance Technician to join our Maintenance team at Kaytee in Chilton, WI. ... more
  • 12 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other 1st shift Forklift Operator jobs in the Chilton, WI area that may be a better fit.

  • RGL Logistics Appleton, WI
  • 2PM-10PM Forklift Operator - Appleton RGL Logistics is looking for a positive, highly motivated self-starter to join our team! We are looking for a Forklif... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Flex-Staff Chilton, WI
  • Great opportunity for a Full-Time Forklift Operator on 2nd shift in Chilton, WI.Immediate opening for an experienced, temp to hire Forklift Operator on 2nd... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!