Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Warehouse Associate – 1st ShiftThe Warehouse Associate – 1st Shift plays a key role in the safe and efficient movement of products within a refrigerated warehouse environment. This position focuses on operating forklifts and yard tractors, loading and unloading trailers, and ensuring all inbound and outbound shipments are accurate, properly documented, and shipped on time. The role requires careful attention to product quality, adherence to FIFO inventory practices, and strict compliance with company procedures and safety standards.ResponsibilitiesSafely and frequently operate forklifts and yard tractors to move, load, and unload products and materials.Load and offload trailers in a timely and accurate manner, following established procedures.Ensure all sales orders meet deadlines and are shipped on time according to scheduling requirements.Verify inbound and outbound shipments for accuracy, ensuring they are free of damage and compliant with company policies and procedures.Utilize the FIFO (First In, First Out) system for finished goods, packaging, and raw materials to maintain proper inventory rotation.Perform product temperature checks to ensure items meet required standards for refrigerated storage and transport.Work effectively in a cold, refrigerated environment while wearing appropriate uniform attire provided by the company.Confirm that all shipping and receiving documents are accurate, complete, and properly filed.Perform trailer inspections for each inbound and outbound load, checking for safety and compliance.Wrap products, place them in racking, and provide accurate location information to the data entry clerk.Pull and prepare products for shipping, ensuring the exact number and type of product are loaded and dispatched.Move products to designated storage locations, efficiently stacking and storing items in appropriate areas.Wrap orders on pallets for shipment, ensuring stability and protection during transport.Stage truckloads of pallets being shipped to customers and label them clearly and correctly.Label every pallet with a pallet tag, verifying product lot codes and quantities for traceability and accuracy.Complete all required paperwork for every inbound and outbound load, maintaining thorough and organized records.Essential SkillsAbility to safely operate forklifts and yard tractors in a warehouse environment.At least 2 years of forklift operating experience.At least 2 years of material handling experience.Experience with loading, unloading, and staging shipments.Ability to follow and apply FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices for finished goods, packaging, and raw materials.Strong attention to detail to ensure shipment accuracy, proper labeling, and correct documentation.Comfort working in a refrigerated environment for the duration of the shift.Ability to perform basic quality checks such as product temperature monitoring and visual inspection for damage.Capability to read, complete, and verify shipping and receiving documents.Commitment to following safety procedures, including trailer inspections and use of chocks and jacks.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience working in a GMP-regulated or food-grade warehouse environment is beneficial.Familiarity with inventory control processes and warehouse racking systems.Strong communication skills for interacting with drivers, team members, and support staff.Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet shipping and production deadlines.Basic understanding of lot codes and traceability requirements for palletized products.Why Work Here?The company offers a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere with approximately 60 employees, fostering a supportive and collaborative culture. Team members benefit from a strong focus on employee development, with real opportunities for advancement and promotion from within. Employees may be eligible for yearly bonuses that recognize tenure and contribution, along with comprehensive benefits that support long-term stability and work-life balance.Work EnvironmentThis is a 1st shift position, working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The role is based in a refrigerated warehouse environment where maintaining proper GMP standards is essential. Team members wear hair nets, beard nets as needed, smocks, steel-toe footwear, and hard hats to meet safety and hygiene requirements. The facility operates with structured processes for shipping, receiving, and inventory management, and employees spend significant time working in cold conditions while handling palletized products and operating material handling equipment.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 2026.