Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

This role operates industrial forklifts and related material-handling equipment in a clean, modern chemical production warehouse. The forklift operator safely moves, stages, and tracks raw materials and finished products, supports receiving and shipping activities, and uses technology such as SAP, Excel, and RF scanners to maintain accurate inventory and ensure materials are ready for production.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift safely for approximately 60% of the workday to stage materials and move pallets throughout the warehouse and production floors.
• Receive incoming shipments by unloading trucks, scanning materials, and verifying that all items match shipping documents and inventory records.
• Inspect product loads for accuracy, damage, and completeness, and document any discrepancies by emailing photos and details of missing or incorrect items to the appropriate contact.
• Move pallets containing bags of powder ingredients and drums of chemicals between loading, processing, and storage areas while following all safety and quality procedures.
• Use an RF scanner to perform inventory transactions, track material locations, and ensure accurate staging of raw materials for production employees.
• Transport materials between floors using a service elevator, including moving a forklift between the warehouse (base floor) and upper production floors as needed.
• Spend approximately 20% of the day on computer-based tasks, including working in SAP ERP and Microsoft Excel to enter data, update inventory, and maintain records.
• Spend approximately 20% of the day walking the facility to identify material needs, locate inventory, and determine what tasks need to be prioritized.
• Manually or mechanically load and unload materials from pallets and racking systems, including push-back racks, and move them to designated areas.
• Perform cycle counts and other inventory control activities to maintain accurate stock levels and support production planning.
• Drive vehicles or material-handling equipment to transport materials safely between loading docks, processing areas, and storage locations.
• Follow all safety, quality, and chemical-handling procedures while working in a chemical production environment.
• Communicate clearly with team members, production staff, and supervisors to coordinate material flow and resolve issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying problems, suggesting solutions, and supporting efficient manufacturing and warehouse operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience operating forklifts, with sit-down forklift experience strongly preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Proven ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift in a production or warehouse setting.
• Experience unloading trucks, staging materials, and supporting shipping and receiving activities.
• Basic knowledge of raw materials, production processes, and quality control in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to track and maintain inventory using technology such as RF scanners and computer systems.
• Comfort working in a chemical production facility and following chemical safety awareness practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment, following established procedures and standards.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data entry and simple spreadsheet tasks.
• Ability to learn and work with SAP ERP or similar inventory and enterprise systems.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate receiving, staging, and inventory tracking.
• Effective verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members and other departments.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work as a cooperative team player.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience using SAP ERP applications for inventory or material management is a plus but not required.
• Experience using RF scanners for inventory tracking and material staging.
• Experience in chemical safety awareness or working with chemical raw materials.
• Experience working in a GMP-compliant environment.
• General technology literacy, including comfort using computers, scanners, and enterprise software.
• Prior experience with shipping and receiving processes in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Ability to handle both powder ingredients and drum-based chemicals safely and efficiently.
• Willingness to move between multiple floors and areas within the facility as operational needs require.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a supportive, people-focused culture that combines strong operational standards with genuine care for well-being. The facility offers an onsite chef providing affordable breakfast and lunch options, as well as access to a complimentary onsite physical therapist. The environment is exceptionally clean, with most production areas climate controlled, contributing to a comfortable and professional workplace. Team members can grow their careers with significant potential for advancement, and over time may enjoy flexible working hours that support work-life balance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean, well-organized chemical production facility with three floors, with the warehouse located on the bottom floor and production areas on the upper floors. Approximately 60% of the day is spent operating a sit-down forklift, 20% on computer work, and 20% walking the facility to assess needs and move materials. The facility uses SAP ERP, Microsoft Excel, RF scanners, and push-back racking systems to manage inventory and material flow. A service elevator allows forklifts and materials to move between floors, and 2 of the 3 floors are climate controlled, providing a comfortable working environment. The shift runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering consistent daytime hours in a structured, safety-conscious warehouse and production setting.