Forklift Operator

Position Forklift Operator Location Hanover Park, IL Summary The Forklift Driver is responsible for safely and efficiently operating forklifts and other material‑handling equipment to move, load, unload, and store products within the distribution warehouse. This role supports inbound receiving, outbound shipping, replenishment, staging, and inventory accuracy including loading and offloading trailer trucks. The Forklift Operator ensures all work follows safety standards, warehouse procedures, and quality requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Operates sit‑down and stand‑up reach forklifts safely and efficiently. Loads and unloads inbound/outbound trucks and verifies pallet counts. Moves pallets to storage locations, staging areas, and dock areas as directed. Performs put‑away and replenishment tasks using warehouse instructions. Secures loads with proper strapping, wrapping, or bracing to prevent damage. Accurately picks, stacks, and stages materials for outbound shipments. Reads and follows warehouse documentation, pick sheets, and verbal instructions. Responsible for manual repalletizing of material. Attaches labels, tags, or identification markers to pallets and materials. Conducts basic forklift inspections before use and reports issues immediately. Assists with cycle counts, inventory verification, and location audits. Maintains clean and orderly aisles, docks, and storage areas. Follows all company safety procedures and warehouse operating standards. Qualifications Required Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); 1+ years related experience and/or training preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to read and write English. Required Skills/Abilities: Become forklift certified. Travel: This position has no travel requirements. Work Conditions & Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 55 lbs. Ability to stand for extended periods. Must be able to wear required PPE such as scrubs, hair net, lab coat, and facemask. Ability to work in a packaging area with moderate powder substance in the air with or without a respirator. Ability to work above shoulders. Frequent squatting, bending, twisting, and bi‑lateral wrist movement. Ability to work around a variety of smells and aromas. Ability to adjust work schedule as business needs require. Quality/Safety Responsibilities All Prinova employees are required to ensure compliance with food safety, food defense and food quality standards (FDA, ILDPH, FSMA, and BRC). It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards issued under OSHA and to follow all rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Company to ensure that their actions do not impact the health and safety of themselves or others. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Employer paid STD and LTD HSA and FSA Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave PTO Employer paid Basic Life Insurance 401(k) & Roth with employer match Eight Paid Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays Voluntary – Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Personal growth including training and development opportunities EEO Statement Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, medical leave, marital status, citizenship status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, Civil Air Patrol status, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr