Forklift Driver (Cold Storage)

PNW Veg Co dba NORPAC is looking for a forklift (lift truck) driver to join our Cold Storage team at our plant just north of Salem, Oregon.

The Cold Storage Lift Truck Driver is responsible for operating lift trucks in a safe manner, loading and unloading trailers, stacking product in warehouse, picking product from the warehouse in a timely manner, helping teammates as needed. The Cold Storage Lift Truck Driver works both inside and outside freezers, where temperature ranges from -10 degrees F to ambient temperature.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate forklifts and lifting equipment to load, move, stack, and unload pallets, totes, boxes, and materials.
• Perform pre-operation inspections; refuel, recharge batteries, and report equipment issues.
• Maintain accurate inventory using computer systems, RF scanners, and hand-written reports.
• Assist other drivers and general plant employees.
• Maintain safe and sanitary work area.
• Maintain an accurate inventory in the warehouse/bin codes.
• Use RF Scanning equipment, read and understand reports used for inventory, shipping, receiving, production orders.
• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Set up materials for production processes.
• Load and unload trailers efficiently to ensure product integrity.
• Pick, receive, and stack products following company procedures and timelines.
• Operate forklift attachments such as slip sheet/clamp, rotator, and barrel clamp.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including non-forklift tasks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Three (3) months of experience and/or training in operation of equipment in a workplace.
• Read and interpret, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals; must pass a general math test.
• Ability to work in cold storage environments for extended periods (up to 50 minutes continuously).
• Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Able to understand, follow, and execute various written and verbal instructions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work through situations with limited standardization.
• Ability to analyze and anticipate production and material needs.
• Capable of interpreting company inventory procedures.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and any assigned shift.
• Commitment to maintaining and promoting safety and food safety practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience working in a food processing facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work Environment: Work is performed in environments that involve moving mechanical parts, and extended periods at chilled temperatures as low as -10°F. Work may involve working at or around heights. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, or vibration may occur. Noise levels range from moderate to loud.

Physical Demands: Regularly requires standing, walking, reaching, and using hands to handle tools or materials. Requires frequent to continuous operation of a forklift, which includes sitting for extended periods, using hand controls with repetitive motions, and maintaining alertness and visibility while maneuvering in tight or congested areas. Employees must be able to safely mount and dismount the forklift, turn their torso and neck for visibility, and operate equipment in a fast‑paced environment. Frequent talking and hearing are required. Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching may be necessary. Employees must routinely lift or move up to 50 lbs, and occasionally more than 50 lbs with assistance. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, as well as the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands: Work requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, situational awareness, and spatial reasoning.

Work Schedule: Requires evening, weekend, and some holiday work, and extended hours.

Safety & Hazard Exposure: Strict adherence to safety protocols and PPE requirements is essential.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.81 per hour

Benefits:

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

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing and able to work any shift, including nights and weekends?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23