Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

This role focuses on safely operating stand-up and high-reach forklifts to support inbound and outbound warehouse operations in a large, semi-climate-controlled distribution facility handling FDA-regulated products. You will move full pallets, load and unload trucks, and support inventory processes while maintaining high quality standards and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and compliance are critical in this position.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up forklifts and high-reach trucks to handle inbound and outbound materials, including loading and unloading trucks.
• Pick full pallets and transport them to designated storage locations, ensuring proper placement and organization.
• Put away product accurately in racking or storage areas, following established warehouse layouts and inventory procedures.
• Use RF scanners and basic computer systems to complete inventory transactions, track product movement, and maintain accurate records.
• Handle FDA-regulated products with a strong focus on quality, cleanliness, and compliance with all applicable standards.
• Identify and correct mistakes in product placement, labeling, or documentation to maintain inventory accuracy and product integrity.
• Follow GMPs and SOPs to ensure safe handling, storage, and movement of products throughout the warehouse.
• Perform basic shipping and receiving tasks, including checking inbound and outbound shipments for accuracy and condition.
• Support general warehouse operations such as staging, order selection, and pallet movement using forklifts and electric pallet jacks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, reporting any hazards, equipment issues, or quality concerns promptly.
• Work scheduled 12-hour shifts (day or night) and maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to support continuous operations.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet operational goals while prioritizing quality over quantity.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating stand-up forklifts in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Experience with high-reach trucks for pallet storage and retrieval at height.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly during the shift.
• Good computer skills and proficiency using RF scanners for inventory and order processing.
• Experience with inbound and outbound warehouse operations, including loading and unloading trucks.
• Familiarity with shipping, receiving, and general warehouse workflows.
• Basic math skills to support counting, inventory checks, and verification of quantities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and correct mistakes in inventory or documentation.
• Ability to follow GMPs and SOPs or willingness to learn and apply them consistently.
• Stable work history demonstrating reliability, strong work ethic, and consistent attendance.
• Comfort working in a semi-climate-controlled environment where temperatures may be lower in winter.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Crown forklifts or similar equipment.
• Experience operating electric pallet jacks (EPJ) for pallet movement and order selection.
• Experience in order selecting, picking, and palletizing in a warehouse setting.
• SAP or other warehouse management system experience, especially for inventory-related tasks.
• Prior experience working with FDA-regulated products or in a food or pharmaceutical environment.
• Familiarity with GMPs and SOPs, even if not previously required in a formal role.
• Comfort using RF scanners and handheld devices for real-time data entry and tracking.
• Ability to adapt to 12-hour shifts (day or night) and rotating schedules, including every other Wednesday.

Why Work Here?

You will join a modern, newer facility that prioritizes safety, cleanliness, and employee well-being. Once hired, you can access 12 paid holidays, a paid day off for your birthday, low-cost benefits, a 401(k) plan, and annual raises. The organization offers a structured level system where you can earn an additional dollar per level as you progress from Level 1 to Level 3 based on your performance and attendance. You will also enjoy an engaging workplace culture with employee events, parties, giveaways, and ongoing opportunities to grow and be recognized for your contributions.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, approximately 500,000-square-foot distribution warehouse that serves as a hub for chocolate-related products, including roasted beans, chocolate liquor, powders, and cocoa butter. The facility is semi-climate controlled, with air conditioning in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter to keep products below a specific temperature. The building is newer, clean, and designed with safety as a priority, with around 40 employees on site. Shifts are 12 hours in length. Day shift options run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with every other Wednesday, or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with every other Wednesday. Night shift options run from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on similar schedules. You will regularly use stand-up forklifts, high-reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, RF scanners, and computer systems in your daily work. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to regulated standards, and attire should be appropriate for a warehouse setting and the semi-cool conditions.