Forklift Operator, WBPA

Forklift Operator

Reports to: Shipping and Receiving Supervisor

Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Non-Exempt

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment, and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America's families for over a century. Our family's passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer.

As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

The duties of the Forklift Operator include but are not limited to supplying various production areas with new product, removing finished product, and general clean up.

Essential Functions:

• Supply production lines with raw product and other needed production material
• Removal of finished product
• Clean up
• Removal of trash
• Responsible for keeping production lines with needed product and material
• Follows safety policies and procedures including safe power equipment operations
• Follows all company policies
• Works overtime as required
• Other duties assigned

Required Experience and Training:

This position requires 1-2 years of experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• One plus year prior warehouse/stocking/forklift experience
• Ability to operate a manual/powered pallet jack or lift product
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Forklift certification is required
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Strong communication skills and desire to work with other team members

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a warehouse, production, and distribution environment.
• Frequent exposure to cold storage, refrigerated areas, and varying temperature conditions.
• Constant exposure to cleaning and sanitation chemicals, including chlorine and similar substances.
• Exposure to product odors and fumes associated with fresh produce, including onions, peppers, and other vegetables.
• Regular operation of forklifts, powered industrial trucks, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
• Requires adherence to all food safety, GMP, PPE, and company safety policies.
• Overtime, weekend, and holiday work may be required based on business needs.
• Moderate noise levels from warehouse equipment, forklifts, and production activities.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting while operating forklifts and other powered equipment.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, and manipulating materials and equipment controls.
• Frequent use of feet for repetitive motion while operating forklifts and powered equipment.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing between 5 and 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching during product handling and warehouse activities.
• Frequent walking and standing throughout warehouse and production areas.
• Occasional reaching above shoulder level to access materials or storage locations.
• Occasional repetitive hand movements while handling products, packaging materials, and tools.
• Must possess sufficient visual acuity and depth perception to safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Must be able to safely maneuver equipment and work around moving machinery and pedestrian traffic.

Company Benefits/Perks:

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.