Forklift Driver

Forklift DriverThe Forklift Driver is responsible for safely operating electric and propane-powered forklifts to move, load, unload, locate, relocate, and stack products and materials throughout the facility and designated outdoor areas. This position supports production and cooling operations by ensuring the continuous and accurate movement of bulk products, finished goods, packaging materials, and other supplies.The role is performed in wet, cold, and changing environmental conditions and requires strict compliance with all safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), inventory procedures, and product-handling standards.This position is based year-round in Castroville, California. This position is assigned to the second shift, typically beginning at 2:30 p.m. and working eight hours, with schedule adjustments based on business needs.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSafely operate electric and propane-powered forklifts to transport, load, unload, stage, and stack products and materials within and outside the facilityConduct required pre-operation forklift inspections and promptly report equipment damage, mechanical concerns, safety hazards, or needed repairsPerform basic forklift upkeep and maintain equipment in a clean, safe, and operational conditionLearn and safely perform propane tank changes in accordance with Company proceduresSupply production lines with bulk products, packaging materials, and other necessary supplies to prevent production delaysRemove finished products and unused materials from production areas and transport them to the appropriate storage or staging locationsSupport and monitor product-cooling processes in cooling tunnels according to established proceduresAccurately stage, rotate, and store products using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory methodPerform basic mathematical calculations to accurately count products, verify quantities, reconcile inventory, and document product movementHandle perishable products properly and use thermometers to monitor and document product temperatures when requiredUse scanners, forklift-mounted computers, inventory systems, and other equipment necessary to track product movement and inventoryComplete required documentation accurately and legiblyMaintain communication with supervisors, production employees, and other departments using a two-way radioFollow all traffic patterns, posted speed limits, loading procedures, and forklift safety requirementsSafely operate and maneuver a forklift in confined or limited-clearance spaces while maintaining awareness of pedestrians, equipment, products, and surrounding structuresFollow all GMPs, sanitation, hygiene, food-safety, and workplace safety procedures, including emergency protocols and the proper use of required PPE, hair nets, beard nets, and other protective coveringsPerform duties indoors and outdoors in wet, cold, hot, or changing weather conditionsSafely lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs without undue physical exertionParticipate in meetings, orientations, safety programs, and training sessions as requiredMaintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendancePerform other related duties as assigned based on operational and business needsJob Requirements and QualificationsMinimum of one year of forklift-operating experience required; experience working in a cooler or refrigerated environment is preferred but not requiredBilingual English/Spanish skills are desiredAbility to safely operate electric and propane-powered forkliftsAbility to successfully complete Company-required forklift training, evaluation, and certificationAbility to read and write sufficiently to understand instructions, safety information, product labels, and work-related documentationBasic math skills necessary to count products, verify quantities, and support inventory activitiesBasic computer skills or the ability to learn how to operate scanners, forklift-mounted computers (Thor)Ability to learn product-cooling processes, propane tank replacement, inventory procedures, and temperature-monitoring requirementsAbility to use thermometers and properly handle temperature-sensitive and perishable productsAbility to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs without undue physical exertion, including transferring items between palletsKnowledge of, or ability to learn, GMPs, food-safety practices, and workplace safety requirementsAbility to follow verbal and written instructions and established operating proceduresAbility to communicate effectively by radio and in personAbility to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and other departmentsAbility to remain attentive and exercise good judgment while working in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work a flexible schedule, including different shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays, as operationally requiredReliable and punctual attendance is required