Reporting to the shift supervisor, The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating forklift truck to load and unload material, product, bins, and pallets.  This position will be responsible to move needed items to and from storage areas, production lines and loading docks, into trucks or storage facilities. When assigned at the Palletizer, the Forklift Operator is responsible for insuring the product flows in and out of the robots, pallet magazine loading, correct labeling of pallets, etc.

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Responsible to comply with all Quality and Food Safety Management standards and/or systems to ensure continual improvement and effectiveness of the Food Safety Management Systems
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) set by the company
• Familiarize self with various staging and drop locations
• Prior to operating forklift, perform operation and safety check, including battery, brakes, lift controls, etc.
• Move controls, devices and levers to drive forklift to transfer materials between unloading, processing, loading, and storage areas.
• Locate, pull and transport full or empty bins, pallets of finished product, packaging supplies, and/or equipment to specified areas.
• Shrink wrap pallets to prepare for shipping
• Transport raw and processed product to production workstations
• Load or unload materials off or on to pallets
• Maintain and update records of inventory and activity logs.
• Monitor material usage on work floor and supply production lines with raw materials
• Keep production lines supplied with raw materials
• Keeps palletizer area running smoothly
• Accurately records any quality control paperwork to insure correct labeling of pallets
• Complete certified forklift safety training as required.
• Abide by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), Work Rules, Safety Rules, and Attendance Rules
• Wears all personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including but not limited to all or some of the following: protective shoes, glasses, ear plugs, bump cap or hard hat,
• Immediately report any accidents
• Immediately report any malfunctions of processing equipment
• Immediately report any safety hazard
• Follow verbal and written directions
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Follow company policies
• Follow safety procedures
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Perform other duties that are reasonably associated with the above essential functions of the job, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum tow years previous experience operating a forklift (standup and sit-down lifts)
• Forklift Certification not required, but preferred.  Will re-certify once hired.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbal and written.    
• Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions in English.  Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic mathematics.
• Must be able to maintain regular and acceptable attendance.
• Ability to work any shift, any day of the week, as assigned and overtime as needed
• Ability to pass a pre-employment, post offer drug screen and background check
  
  

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School or equivalent

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit for 8+ hours/shift
• Must be able to constantly climb onto and off a riding forklift
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to bend/stoop/squat/twist/kneel and turn throughout workday, for varying lengths of time

• Must be able to reach with hands and arms below shoulder level to above shoulder level
• Must be able to work in industrial plant environment/freezers in order to sage and pull product
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.