Forklift Operator (Freezer Facility)

Job Description

Job Description

Who are we:

We're a leading Northeast family-owned food, agricultural products, and agricultural services organization headquartered in Pennsylvania. We provide animal nutrition and feeds; specialty protein production, processing, and marketing; on-farm protein production services; and grain, fertilizer, and ingredient procurement.

Leidy’s is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wenger Group since 2022. Leidy’s is a 125-year-old pork company still located on the family farm in Pennsylvania, where Jacob Leidy was deeded the original land grant by William Penn in 1753.

We're a stable company with strong core values, great benefits, competitive wage structure, and a safe and healthy work environment. With over 1000 team members, we're a growing company in an essential sector – agriculture!

Learn more here:

Position summary:

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely operating high-reach forklifts to store, move, and retrieve pork products in a freezer facility. This role plays a critical part in inventory accuracy and order fulfillment while working in sub-zero temperatures. this includes rotating inventory, scanning and auditing shipments, loading outbound freight, and receiving raw materials into inventory. The role requires compliance with USDA, GMP, and HACCP standards, while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate high-reach forklifts to:
  • Put away finished pork products into designated freezer storage locations
  • Retrieve product for order fulfillment
  • Accurately pick, stage, and load orders for shipment
• Maintain accurate inventory through proper scanning and documentation procedures
• Follow all food safety, quality, and sanitation standards
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report any mechanical issues
• Ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO: First-In, First-Out)
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Comply with all safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for freezer conditions

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a freezer environment with temperatures below 0&degree;F
• Requires use of specialized cold-weather gear and equipment
• Frequent exposure to cold, noise, and warehouse activity
• Ability to stand, lift, and operate equipment for extended periods

Qualifications and Requirements:  

• High school diploma or GED required
• Previous forklift experience required; high-reach forklift experience preferred
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment in a fast-paced environment
• Basic reading and math skills to:
  • Understand pick lists and inventory documents
  • Count product accurately
  • Perform simple calculations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness
• Experience in food production or cold storage environments is a plus
• Ability to perform fine motor skills and general physical labor
  Ability to work near moving machinery and operate equipment
  Willingness to work overtime as needed
• Ability to work in a cold storage environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. or more regularly
• Ability to work in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods
• Good hand-eye coordination and depth perception
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb in and out of equipment

Additional Skills

• Team-oriented with strong communication skills
• Dependable and punctual
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

What our benefits are:

• Paid Time Off, 401K, Parental Leave, etc.
• Care bridge Employee Assistance Program

For all full-time members:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Medical Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Pet Insurance

Each team member has the potential to earn a yearly bonus based on the achievement of company goals.

The Wenger Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type as protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.