Forklift Operator

D&D Commodities, a business unit of Central Garden & Pet Company, is a leader in the bird food manufacturing industry. We are searching for a Forklift Operator for our Stephen, MN, location. This role is essential to ensuring the efficient movement and organization of materials within our facility, contributing to our high standards in production, quality, and safety. First shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Full-time position, with potential for some overtime and weekend shifts. Location: Key Responsibilities: Safely operate forklifts to load, unload, and transport materials within the facility. Ensure proper placement of raw materials and finished products to support production lines and warehouse storage. Use SAP and radio frequency equipment to track inventory, print documents, and manage stock levels. Perform daily vehicle inspections and inspect for damage to vehicles, identifies necessary maintenance and repairs. Optimize load arrangements for operational efficiency and secure loads for transport. Rotate stock to ensure first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices and prepare pallets for shipping by shrink-wrapping. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment, reporting any safety hazards or faulty equipment. Collaborate with team members, managers, and other departments to ensure smooth operations and adherence to schedules and complete required paperwork for production office personnel. Qualifications: Forklift proficiency and the ability to obtain certification onsite are required. Able to operate a sit-down forklift for at least 75% of the workday andable to climb on and off a forklift at least 25% of the workday. 1+ years of previous forklift operation experience preferred. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently. Regular and reliable attendance, strong attention to detail and a safety-conscious mindset. A willingness to work overtime and weekends as needed. Minimum Experience & Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous experience in agriculture, production, or a manufacturing environment is a plus. Working Conditions: Work environment includes a non-climate-controlled warehouse production facility, with frequent proximity to moving mechanical parts, product irritants/allergens, airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions. Occasionally, tasks may involve working at heights, in confined spaces, and amidst moderate noise levels. This role involves exposure to grains, seeds, nuts, and pepper-based ingredients in an environment where some dust may be present. Position Information: This position pays $17.75 - $20.00 per hour depending on skills, certificaitons, and experience. Benefits Package & Employee Programs: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Free Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time Employee Assistance Program Discounts on pet supplies, cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) Referral Program with cash bonus Access to thousands of free online courses Access to on-demand pay Paid parental leave Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. #J-18808-Ljbffr Central Garden & Pet