Entry Level Forklift Operator/General Warehouse Laborer

Entry Level Forklift Operator - General Warehouse Laborer

The Entry Level Forklift Operator - General Warehouse Laborer is a dual-function warehouse role responsible for operating a sit-down forklift to safely move pallets and materials throughout the facility, while also manually sorting pallets by type and condition to meet company standards. This position plays a critical role in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting production flow, and ensuring pallet quality. Ideal candidates are safety-minded, dependable, and comfortable with repetitive physical tasks in a fast-paced environment. Forklift certification is provided on-site — no prior experience required.

Pay Rate:

• Range: $17.50 - $20.50 an hour
• Starting rate: $17.50 an hour
• Guaranteed progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role

Work Schedule:

• A2 Shift: 4:00 pm to 2:30 am (Sunday thru Wednesday)
• B1 Shift: 5:00 am to 3:30 pm (Wednesday thru Sunday)

Here's what we offer:

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings (max $1,500 weekly) for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases (travel, electronics, entertainment, and more)
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You'll Be Doing

Reporting to the Supervisor or Manager, the Entry Level Forklift Operator - General Warehouse Laborer is responsible for operating and maintaining a sit-down forklift to move and organize pallets within a warehouse environment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Report to the Supervisor or Manager to ensure all pallets meet PLA/Propak quality standards and production goals.
• Operate a sit-down forklift to safely move, organize, and load/unload pallets in and out of trailers and designated areas.
• Perform manual sortation of pallets by hand, identifying specific criteria such as color, manufacturer, and damage levels (e.g., missing boards or exposed nails).
• Conduct daily safety inspections of the forklift and manage refueling or charging as needed.
• Verify and complete all load documentation, maintaining accurate digital or paper records for inventory and quality tracking.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by removing debris from pallets and sweeping dock areas.
• Consistently meet established production rates per hour to ensure facility efficiency and safety.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and federal/state regulations regarding equipment and material handling.
• Understand that reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules are subject to change to meet company needs and business requirements.
• Adapt to new tasks, schedules, or team structures based on the operational needs of the facility.

What We're Looking For

• No prior forklift experience required – we train and certify on site
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to quickly identify pallet defects and specific sorting criteria.
• Physical strength to consistently lift and move materials, including wooden CHEP pallets weighing up to 75lbs, repeatedly throughout the duration of the shift.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment, with ability to meet production rates.
• Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• High School diploma or GED preferred
• Must pass PLA/Propak forklift certification

Physical Requirements:

• Repeatedly lift and move heavy materials, specifically including 75lbs wooden CHEP pallets.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment, as well as standing, walking, bending, and stooping as needed.
• Capable of performing light to moderate physical tasks, including occasionally lifting or maneuvering materials if required by the role.
• Requires good manual dexterity and foot coordination for operating forklift controls.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, equipment sounds, and safety alarms in a warehouse environment.
• Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for operating machinery, reading documentation, and navigating the warehouse safely.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a warehouse environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.