Forklift Driver-1st shift

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Forklift Operator

Employment Type : Full-Time
Location: Gastonia, NC
Pay: $17.48 per hour

Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Job Summary

We are seeking experienced and safety-conscious Forklift Operators to join our warehouse team in Gastonia, NC. This position is responsible for loading and unloading trailers, maintaining inventory accuracy, and ensuring proper product rotation while supporting efficient warehouse operations. The ideal candidate has experience operating both stand-up and sit-down forklifts, is detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate both stand-up and sit-down forklifts to load, unload, and transport products throughout the warehouse
• Load trailers with finished products for distribution centers, bins, and customer deliveries
• Unload inbound trailers and accurately place products into inventory
• Read shipping manifests and load sheets to determine product quantities and loading destinations
• Pull products using proper inventory rotation (FIFO) while maximizing trailer cube utilization
• Maintain organized warehouse inventory and ensure the integrity of product rows and storage locations
• Stack empty pallets and transport them to designated storage areas or conveyors
• Load and unload conveyors as required
• Utilize RF scanners and warehouse scanning devices to accurately track inventory movement
• Ensure proper product code rotation and inventory accuracy
• Maintain quality and food safety standards throughout all warehouse operations
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards
• Perform additional warehouse duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Previous forklift experience required
• Experience operating both stand-up and sit-down forklifts
• Current forklift certification/license required (or ability to obtain/maintain certification based on company requirements)
• Basic math and reading comprehension skills
• Ability to read shipping manifests, load sheets, and warehouse documentation
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced warehouse environment
• Reliable transportation and excellent attendance
• Must wear non-slip steel-toe footwear and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous warehouse, shipping and receiving, or distribution experience
• Experience using RF scanners or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Knowledge of inventory control and FIFO inventory rotation
• Food manufacturing or food distribution experience

Core Competencies

Forklift Operation • Stand-Up Forklift • Sit-Down Forklift • Shipping & Receiving • Warehouse Operations • Inventory Control • RF Scanners • Material Handling • Trailer Loading • Food Safety • Safety Compliance • Attention to Detail • Teamwork