Forklift Operator - Hiring for 1st & 2nd Shift

Forklift OperatorWhisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what's possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we're imagining that future today.We work onsite with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.Whisker runs two daily shifts:1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM2nd Shift: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PMOvertime and weekend work may be required.The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently loading/unloading materials, staging materials, maintaining inventory organization, and maintaining inventory accuracy. This role requires you to be forklift certified.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Safely operate material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks) in accordance with company policies and a zero-incident safety culturePerform and document pre-shift Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) inspections; promptly report defects or maintenance needs to supervisionMaintain valid forklift/PIT certification and follow all OSHA and company safety regulations at all timesLoad and unload trailers, containers, and trucks safely, ensuring proper weight distribution and secure handling of materialsVerify incoming and outgoing shipments for accuracy, including part numbers, quantities, and documentationTransport, stage, and deliver materials to production lines and storage areas in a timely and efficient mannerSupport inventory control processes, including cycle counts, stock checks, and accurate material transactionsPick, pack, label, and stage orders to meet customer and production requirements while ensuring product protectionMonitor material levels at lineside and replenish inventory to prevent production downtimeAssist in organizing warehouse and storage areas to optimize space utilization and material flowCollaborate with Shipping, Receiving, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams to ensure accurate and efficient material movementCommunicate clearly with supervisors, team members, and external partners (e.g., truck drivers, suppliers) to coordinate activitiesDemonstrate a strong sense of urgency while maintaining safety, quality, and accuracy standardsParticipate in shift meetings and team huddles to stay aligned on daily goals, priorities, and production targetsAdapt to changing production demands, schedules, and priorities; move between areas and tasks as neededParticipate in cross-training activities to support multiple roles within the materials and warehouse operationsSupport 5S and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environmentProperly use and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all timesBuild positive working relationships and contribute to a team-oriented, respectful workplacePerform additional duties and responsibilities as assignedRequirements:Manufacturing or warehouse experience preferredPrevious forklift experience a plus; training/certification can be providedAbility to stand and remain active for extended periods of timeAbility to follow instructions and safely use hand and power toolsStrong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity preferredPositive attitude with a strong work ethicOrganized, detail-oriented, and able to work efficientlyAbility to perform in a fast-paced production or warehouse environmentWillingness to learn, cross-train, and support multiple areas as neededBasic math and reading skills for counting, labeling, and verifying shipmentsExperience with RF scanners, warehouse management systems (WMS), or inventory systems (preferred)Strong attention to safety and situational awareness in a warehouse environmentReliable problem-solving skills and the ability to react quickly to changing prioritiesBasic computer or tablet skills for tracking inventory and completing tasksCommitment to following quality standards and accuracy in all tasksAble attendance and punctualityPhysical Demands and Work Environment:The physical demands outlined below represent those that a Team Member must meet to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The Team Member frequently uses their hands to handle or feel objects and occasionally stands, walks, and reaches with their hands and arms. The Team Member must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.The work environment characteristics described here represent those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Benefits & Purrks:Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the "why", and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow's pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurancePaid parental leaveWhisker Parents Program1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoptionPet Insurance discount401K matchFlexible spending accountsCompany-paid short-term disability and life insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Generous paid time off14 Paid HolidaysTop-of-the-line equipmentPet-friendly officeWhisker products and swagContinuing Education SupportOn-site gym with PelotonReferral programStatement of Inclusivity:We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.