Material Handler Forklift Stand Up Reach

Job Title: Food Manufacturing Forklift Operator (Dairy Distribution)
Location: San Bernardino, CA
Pay Rate: $20.50 per hour
Position Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire
Schedule: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM, Monday through Friday (Must be flexible for occasional mandatory weekend overtime)

Job Overview

A leading dairy manufacturing and distribution facility in San Bernardino, CA is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Forklift Operator for a 2nd shift, temp-to-hire position. This critical role involves safely moving, loading, and staging dairy products, focusing on bulk liquid ingredients and finished goods. The ideal candidate will be bilingual in English and Spanish to ensure clear communication across our fast-paced production and warehouse teams.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Material Handling: Safely operate sit-down, stand-up, or reach forklifts to transport pallets of finished dairy products and raw materials between production lines, cold storage, and the shipping dock.
• Liquid & Product Management: Handle delicate food materials, with specific attention to liquid storage requirements, pallet stability, and preventing spills or leaks.
• Loading & Unloading: Efficiently load and unload inbound and outbound freight trailers while verifying inventory matching the bill of lading.
• Cold Storage Operation: Work comfortably inside temperature-controlled warehouse zones, coolers, and freezers.
• Food Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA regulations, and SQF standards to maintain absolute cleanliness and sanitation.
• Team Communication: Collaborate smoothly with dispatchers, supervisors, and production workers to keep the fulfillment line moving efficiently.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bilingual Skills: Must be fluent in both English and Spanish to communicate production needs and safety protocols.
• Forklift Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience operating powered industrial trucks in a manufacturing or distribution center environment. Active certification is highly preferred.
• Food Industry Familiarity: Prior experience handling food products—especially liquids or dairy items—is heavily preferred.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs regularly and stand or sit for extended periods during an 8-hour shift.
• Overtime Flexibility: Ability to work the 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM weekday block and accept short-notice weekend overtime shifts based on production demand.
• Reliability: Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential for success in this role.