Shipping/Receiving/Warehouse Forklift Operator II-2nd shift

Job Description

Job Description

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and the growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision support a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers, and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Shipping/Receiving/Warehouse Forklift Operator is a safety- and security-conscious individual who operates industrial trucks such as sit-down or stand-up forklifts. The role may also require the ability to operate or knowledge of using scissor lifts, yard goats, electronic pallet jacks, and boom lifts. This position works in a fast-paced environment, ensuring finished products are loaded into freight, stored in the warehouse, or placed in designated areas safely and properly. Operators use scanners or computers to track orders and work closely with the RTE department to transfer finished products to designated locations. As the final stage before shipping, the Shipping Department requires attention to detail to ensure goods meet quality standards. The operator must ensure all processes comply with the company's Food Safety System.

Safety Ability :

• Promote a "safety first" culture by following all safety rules, including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Fall Protection, and Hazard Communication.
• Report all near misses, injuries, and incidents to the Shift Supervisor, Production Supervisor, or Leads.

Quality Ability :

• Perform all duties in accordance with Quality and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and established company policies and procedures.

Continuous Improvement : Actively participate in continuous improvement teams and processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Load and unload products using forklifts.
• Load trucks (floor-loaded or on pallets) and return leftover products to their proper locations.
• Maintain pallet stability by properly stacking and shrink-wrapping as needed before storage.
• Prepare goods for shipment to freight carriers or designated locations.
• Store/scan finished goods in proper warehouse racks and locations.
• Pick orders from order sheets to build loads for shipment.
• Complete daily forklift inspection reports and maintain records on-site.
• Perform general housekeeping in warehouse and racking areas.
• Ensure all finished goods meet quality standards; repackage or replace if necessary.
• Accurately scan and upload product information.
• Report any product discrepancies immediately to the Lead/Supervisor.
• Inspect containers, materials, and products to ensure packaging specifications are met.
• Manage inbound packaging and promptly turn in documentation after off-loading.
• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) processes for packaging storage and retrieval.
• Supply packaging materials on time to RTE, Raber Building, and Building 7 to prevent downtime.
• Scan correct quantities, lot numbers, and locations when storing or supplying packing departments.
• Load and scan all finished goods into shuttle trailers for proper location tracking.
• Supply WIP (Work in Progress) to Kernel Processing, Roasting, RTE, Raber Building, and Building 7 on time.
• Deliver bins for FMO and QC review for PPO testing or inspection as needed.
• Load/unload (Gerawan, PPO, purchased WIP, etc.), store, and scan to correct locations.
• Store all WIP from processes in correct warehouses and scan to proper locations.
• Prevent finished goods, packaging, and WIP from getting wet or damaged; report any damage immediately and store in designated hold locations.
• Do not store or ship goods with QC hold tags; store such items in designated hold locations.
• Maintain safety awareness when using or working around forklifts.
• Move trailers with a yard goat when required (must be trained and certified by Nichols Farms).
• Assist with fumigation processes.
• Dump shells as needed.
• Follow and comply with established health, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Provide security and observation checks when necessary.
• Assist at the scale house with inbound and outbound freight as needed.
• Assist in tracking, logging, and distributing packages and mail throughout the plant.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors or management.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating industrial trucks.
• Preferably 1 year of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in using computers for tracking and/or emailing.
• Experience in shipping, warehouse, and/or receiving operations.
• Forklift Driver Certification preferred.
• Scanning experience preferred.
• Strong math and computer skills are a plus.
• Ability to work any day/shift, including weekends and holidays.
• English reading and writing preferred.
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required.
• Team player with strong communication skills and the ability to follow directions.
• Reliable attendance is essential.

JOB COMPETENCIES

• Safety Awareness: Identify and correct unsafe conditions.
• Leadership: Influence others to work effectively and make sound decisions.
• Time Management: Organize and complete work within deadlines.
• Adaptability: Adjust to changes in the workplace and function effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Resource Management: Appropriately use equipment, facilities, materials, and personnel.
• Prioritization: Quickly identify and address the most urgent tasks.
• Detail-Oriented: Maintain accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Critical Thinking: Use logic and reasoning to evaluate solutions and solve problems.
• Active Learning: Apply new information to improve processes and decision-making.
• Active Listening: Fully engage in conversations, understand others, and respond appropriately.
• Complex Problem Solving: Identify complex issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Facility is a manufacturing environment, and this position may primarily be outdoors. The manufacturing environment and working outdoors may include high levels of noise. When working outdoors conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity; and sometimes can include work in dusty conditions. Ability to lift up/pull to 50 pounds on occasion. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company. Position requires standing, sitting, and walking on a regular basis for prolonged periods. Near vision-ability to see details at close range. Ability to continuously use trunk strength-abdominal and lower back to support repeated bodily movement.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

EOE/M/F/D/V