Base Puller/Forklift

Position Summary

The Base Puller – Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and timely movement, staging, and replenishment of soap base, ingredients, packaging materials, finished goods, scrap, and other production‑related materials throughout the facility. This position operates powered industrial trucks and other material‑handling equipment to support production schedules, maintain appropriate material flow, and help prevent production interruptions. The role requires attention to detail, safe equipment operation, accurate material and inventory transactions, and effective communication with Production and Warehouse personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review production schedules with the supervisor to determine material priorities and staging requirements.
• Safely operate forklifts and other authorized material‑handling equipment to transport soap base, ingredients, packaging materials, finished goods, scrap, and other materials.
• Locate and retrieve materials from designated warehouse storage locations and stage materials for production as needed.
• Monitor production areas and replenish soap base, ingredients, and other required materials to help maintain continuous production operations.
• Remove scrap, excess materials, and other designated items from production lines and place them in appropriate locations.
• Inspect material‑handling equipment before operation and report damage, safety concerns, or equipment malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Complete required material, inventory, weighing, and production documentation accurately and timely, including soap tickets and inventory transactions.
• Use warehouse and inventory systems as required to accurately record material movement and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Communicate material shortages, production‑support issues, equipment concerns, damaged materials, and other problems to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrian traffic, other powered industrial trucks, production activities, and changing workplace conditions while operating equipment.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area and properly store materials and equipment when not in use.
• Follow all applicable company safety rules, operating procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and other workplace requirements.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established procedures for handling materials in areas where chemical, fragrance, heat, or other production‑related exposures may be present.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of production schedules and material flow.
• Basic understanding of warehouse storage and inventory‑control practices.
• Basic mathematical skills, including the ability to accurately weigh, count, and record materials.
• Ability to accurately complete required production, inventory, and material‑handling documentation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, material shortages, and other work‑related concerns.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks after completing required company training and evaluation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to successfully complete required powered industrial truck training and evaluation before operating equipment independently.
• Ability to meet the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Preferred: Minimum of two years of forklift/powered industrial truck operating experience.
• Preferred: Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, warehouse, or material‑handling environment.
• Preferred: Experience with inventory‑control systems or warehouse management systems.

Equipment Operated

• Powered industrial trucks/forklifts
• Manual pallet jacks
• Material‑handling and movement equipment
• Picking or staging equipment
• Other equipment for which the employee has been trained and authorized to operate

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, climb, kneel, and perform other movements associated with material handling.
• Frequently handle materials weighing up to 75 pounds, individually or with appropriate assistance/equipment, depending on the task.
• Push, pull, carry, and maneuver materials and equipment as required.
• Safely enter and exit powered industrial equipment and maintain appropriate body positioning while operating equipment.
• Perform repetitive material‑handling activities.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including applicable eye, hand, hearing, footwear, and other protection.
• Perform essential job functions in the described work environment with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

• Primarily industrial manufacturing, warehouse, and production environment.
• Exposure to liquid chemicals.
• Fragrances and essential oils.
• Elevated temperatures.
• Noise from processing equipment.
• Wet floors.
• Moving mechanical equipment.
• Powered industrial vehicles.
• Employees are required to comply with all applicable company safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, Hazard Communication (HazCom), powered industrial truck requirements, and company operating procedures.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow company safety policies and procedures.
• Operate equipment only when trained and authorized to do so.
• Complete required equipment inspections before operation.
• Use required PPE.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions, injuries, near misses, spills, damaged equipment, and other hazards.
• Maintain a safe and orderly work area.

Success Factors

• Commitment to safety
• Attention to detail
• Accuracy in material handling and documentation
• Reliability and attendance
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability and ownership
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities
• Strong organizational skills