Forklift Operator (Day Shift)

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator moves, stages, loads, and puts away product safely and accurately in support of customer service commitments, and is directly responsible for product integrity, inventory accuracy, workplace safety, and compliance with BRCGS and internal Quality Management System requirements. Operators work within an assigned dock team alongside a Dock Lead, Inventory Control Clerk, and Warehouse Administrative Assistant.

The position is structured in three levels. All three perform the same core job. The levels differ in the breadth of equipment operated, the degree of independence, the complexity of work assigned, and the operator's contribution to the safety and development of the team. Advancement is earned through demonstrated capability and is not automatic with length of service.

The Forklift Operator does not open, alter, or repackage customer products.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities for All Levels

Material Handling

• Operate forklifts and other approved powered industrial equipment in a safe and controlled manner.
• Load, unload, move, stack, and stage product according to established procedures and daily priorities set by the Dock Lead.
• Verify product, quantity, lot, and location against paperwork or scan prompts before moving or staging.
• Verify pallet condition, load stability, and secure placement in racking.
• Follow FIFO, FEFO, lot control, and customer-specific handling requirements as applicable.
• Stage outbound freight to meet scheduled dock appointments and support just-in-time customer delivery requirements.

Accuracy & Inventory Integrity

• Place product in the correct location and record it accurately in the warehouse system.
• Scan and log activity as required; log in under the correct assignment and location.
• Report inventory discrepancies, damaged product, and location errors to the Dock Lead or Inventory Control Clerk immediately.
• Support cycle counts and physical inventories as assigned.

Food Safety & Quality (BRCGS)

• Handle all product in accordance with food-safety, allergen, and quality policies.
• Immediately report damaged, leaking, or compromised product to supervision or Quality; isolate damaged product and follow spill and incident response procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment and work areas.
• Support traceability, mock-recall, and audit activities when required.

Safety & Equipment

• Hold and maintain current powered industrial truck certification for each class of equipment operated, including refresher training and evaluation at least every three years and following any accident, near miss, or observed unsafe operation.
• Perform documented pre-use equipment inspections and remove unsafe equipment from service.
• Operate equipment in compliance with OSHA and site safety requirements, including pedestrian, speed, load, and dock-lock rules.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Report accidents, near misses, damage, and unsafe conditions immediately.

Documentation & Teamwork

• Complete required logs, checklists, and records accurately and legibly.
• Communicate status, delays, and problems to the Dock Lead promptly.
• Support other dock areas as assigned when volume shifts.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuous improvement activities.

Advancement

Level assignments are reviewed at least annually and may be reviewed at any time a Dock Lead or the Operations Manager believes an operator has met the next gate. Advancement requires the recommendation of the Dock Lead and the approval of the Operations Manager and is based on the five differentiators: equipment breadth, autonomy, accuracy, safety record, and contribution to training others. Time in role by itself does not create eligibility. An operator who no longer meets the standards of an assigned level may be returned to the prior level following a documented performance conversation.

[Note for IWDG: the accuracy and productivity gates are written to be assessed today using Dock Lead observation, the safety record, and the training log. Once scan-based measurement matures, replace the general language with specific numbers so advancement decisions rest on data rather than judgment.]

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Minimum age 18.

Licenses / Certifications: Current powered industrial truck certification, or ability to obtain certification during onboarding.

Experience: Prior warehouse or distribution experience preferred. Levels II and III require demonstrated performance in this operation regardless of outside experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures, labels, paperwork, and scan prompts; basic math and inventory identification skills; comfort with handheld scanning devices and warehouse system entry; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Warehouse environment with varying temperatures, noise, dust, and equipment traffic. Requires operating powered industrial equipment for extended periods, and standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and climbing on and off equipment throughout the shift. Requires lifting up to 40 lbs. as needed. Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and depth perception to operate equipment safely around pedestrians and in racked aisles. Required PPE must be worn. Shift work, overtime, and weekend work may be required based on customer volume.

Pay: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36.0 – 48.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22