Forklift Operator

Sit-Down Forklift OperatorThis role focuses on safely loading and unloading semi-trucks and moving palleted products throughout a busy distribution center using sit-down forklifts. You work primarily in an AC environment, supporting shipping and receiving operations, staging pallets, and maintaining accurate inventory through scan gun use. The position is fast-paced, highly safety-focused, and requires strong attention to detail and comfort working in cold temperatures.Responsibilities:Load and unload semi-trucks filled with boxes and pallets using sit-down forklifts (hilos) in the shipping and receiving area.Move and stage pallets and boxes throughout the distribution center, ensuring products are placed in the correct areas for pickups and deliveries.Participate in a daily 20-minute shift meeting at the start of each shift to review scheduled pickups, deliveries, and individual work assignments.Enter and work in the freezer area frequently throughout the day, often up to 80 times per shift in short 35 minute intervals, while maintaining productivity and safety.Operate sit-down forklifts in tight and crowded spaces with a zero-accident mindset, demonstrating precise maneuvering and awareness of surroundings.Use scan guns to track inventory, confirm shipments, and maintain accurate records within the distribution center.Follow all safety measures at all times, including wearing seat belts, hard hats, safety glasses, and reflective PPE while operating equipment.Maintain a clean and organized work area in the shipping, receiving, and staging zones to support efficient operations.Adhere to all company policies and procedures related to safety, equipment operation, and inventory handling.Support team members as needed to ensure trucks are unloaded efficiently, shipments are processed on time, and daily production goals are met.Essential Skills:Minimum of 1 year of experience operating sit-down forklifts (hilos) in a warehouse or distribution center environment.Minimum of 1 year of experience using scan guns for inventory tracking within a distribution center.Proven ability to maneuver forklifts safely in tight, crowded spaces while maintaining a zero-accident record.Experience with material handling, including stacking pallets and organizing product in shipping and receiving areas.Ability to work comfortably and consistently in a cold freezer environment maintained at approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit.Strong attention to detail when loading, unloading, and scanning inventory to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.Ability to follow safety protocols meticulously, including the use of seat belts, hard hats, safety glasses, reflective PPE, and steel-toe boots.Capability to work in a fast-paced environment with high truck volumes and constant equipment movement.Effective communication skills to participate in shift meetings and coordinate with team members throughout the day.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Prior experience working in a distribution center focused on agricultural or food products.Familiarity with shipping and receiving processes, including staging, scheduling, and truck turnaround.Comfort working in close quarters with multiple forklifts and team members operating simultaneously.Ability to adapt to seasonal fluctuations in workload, particularly during busy harvest periods.Strong teamwork mindset, supporting colleagues and contributing to a collaborative, safety-first culture.Why Work Here?You join a fast-paced, supportive environment where team members look out for one another and work together to handle high volumes efficiently and safely. The operation offers consistent structure through daily shift meetings and clear assignments, creating predictability in your day while still providing variety in tasks. Seasonal peaks bring a strong sense of shared purpose as the team works together to manage increased volume, offering opportunities to build skills and experience in a dynamic setting. The culture emphasizes safety, reliability, and mutual support, making it a place where your attention to detail and commitment to safe work are valued.Work Environment:You work in a busy distribution center that includes a freezer area maintained at approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit, where pallets are stacked up to 40 feet high. The shipping and receiving area is active and can become crowded, with a constant buzz of equipment and frequent beeping from forklifts. The facility is fairly clean, and experiences seasonal temperature changes—cold in the winter and warmer in the summer outside the freezer. You operate sit-down forklifts alongside a team of roughly 15-25 drivers per shift during the busy season, handling high truck volumes and unloading up to 30 trucks per day. All employees start on first shift. The environment is fast-paced and closed-quartered, requiring strong situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols. Steel-toe boots and jeans are required attire, and you also wear appropriate winter clothing such as heavy coats to stay comfortable in the cold freezer conditions, along with required PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, and reflective gear.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Constantine, MI.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $19.50/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 Type:This is a fully onsite position in Constantine, MI.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.