AM Forklift Operator - Shipping, Stuart

AM Forklift Operator - Shipping

Reports to: Shipping and Receiving Supervisor

Location: Stuart, FL

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Non-Exempt

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment, and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America's families for over a century. Our family's passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator – Shipping is responsible for safely operating forklifts and other powered industrial equipment to move, load, stack, and stage finished fresh produce for outbound shipment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate order fulfillment, proper product rotation, and adherence to food safety and quality standards within a fast-paced, temperature-controlled manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down, stand-up, electric, or propane forklifts in a safe and efficient manner.
• Load and unload outbound shipments, ensuring correct quantities and product integrity.
• Stage finished goods by route, customer, or carrier according to shipping schedules.
• Verify pallet counts, lot codes, and product descriptions against shipping documentation.
• Inspect trailers prior to loading to ensure cleanliness and proper temperature.
• Secure loads to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
• Perform daily forklift inspections and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate records using RF scanners, WMS (Warehouse Management System), or shipping logs.
• Follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices to ensure product freshness.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and food safety requirements (GMPs, HACCP, SQF, etc.).
• Keep shipping and dock areas clean and organized.
• Assist with inventory counts and cycle counts as needed.
• Support other warehouse or production functions when required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years of forklift operating experience in a warehouse or manufacturing environment (food or produce preferred).
• Valid forklift certification (or ability to obtain certification).
• Experience in cold storage or temperature-controlled environments preferred.
• Familiarity with RF scanners and warehouse management systems a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in order fulfillment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of warehouse safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret shipping documents and bills of lading.
• Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Basic math skills for counting and inventory verification.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in a refrigerated or temperature-controlled warehouse environment.
• Exposure to wet floors, moving machinery, and forklift traffic.
• Fast-paced shipping dock environment with frequent truck traffic.
• May require overtime, weekends, or holidays based on production and shipping demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Repetitive bending, reaching, twisting, and climbing in and out of the forklift.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods when not operating equipment.
• Ability to work in cold and humid conditions.

Company Benefits/Perks

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.