Forklift Driver

Forklift Driver

The 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 Responsibilities

• Safely operate electric and propane-powered forklifts to transport, load, unload, stage, and stack products and materials within and outside the facility
• Conduct required pre-operation forklift inspections and promptly report equipment damage, mechanical concerns, safety hazards, or needed repairs
• Perform basic forklift upkeep and maintain equipment in a clean, safe, and operational condition
• Learn and safely perform propane tank changes in accordance with Company procedures
• Supply production lines with bulk products, packaging materials, and other necessary supplies to prevent production delays
• Remove finished products and unused materials from production areas and transport them to the appropriate storage or staging locations
• Support and monitor product-cooling processes in cooling tunnels according to established procedures
• Accurately stage, rotate, and store products using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory method
• Perform basic mathematical calculations to accurately count products, verify quantities, reconcile inventory, and document product movement
• Handle perishable products properly and use thermometers to monitor and document product temperatures when required
• Use scanners, forklift-mounted computers, inventory systems, and other equipment necessary to track product movement and inventory
• Complete required documentation accurately and legibly
• Maintain communication with supervisors, production employees, and other departments using a two-way radio
• Follow all traffic patterns, posted speed limits, loading procedures, and forklift safety requirements
• Safely operate and maneuver a forklift in confined or limited-clearance spaces while maintaining awareness of pedestrians, equipment, products, and surrounding structures
• Follow 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 coverings
• Perform duties indoors and outdoors in wet, cold, hot, or changing weather conditions
• Safely lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs without undue physical exertion
• Participate in meetings, orientations, safety programs, and training sessions as required
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned based on operational and business needs

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of forklift-operating experience required; experience working in a cooler or refrigerated environment is preferred but not required
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are desired
• Ability to safely operate electric and propane-powered forklifts
• Ability to successfully complete Company-required forklift training, evaluation, and certification
• Ability to read and write sufficiently to understand instructions, safety information, product labels, and work-related documentation
• Basic math skills necessary to count products, verify quantities, and support inventory activities
• Basic 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 requirements
• Ability to use thermometers and properly handle temperature-sensitive and perishable products
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs without undue physical exertion, including transferring items between pallets
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, GMPs, food-safety practices, and workplace safety requirements
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and established operating procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively by radio and in person
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments
• Ability to remain attentive and exercise good judgment while working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including different shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays, as operationally required
• Reliable and punctual attendance is required