Forklift Driver - 1st shift - Starting Pay $23.24hr

About the role

Stratas Foods is seeking a Forklift Operator to operate an electric-powered industrial forklift, moving, locating, relocating, stacking, pushing, pulling, tiering, and counting product and materials. The role ensures safe and efficient vehicle operations while meeting quality, productivity, and accuracy standards in a food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow GMPs, safety guidelines, and wear required PPE while adhering to all safety rules.
• Process and assist with inbound and outbound stocking, picking, and packing as required by the production schedule, including additional warehouse functions.
• Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate, free of damage, and report any quality variances.
• Accurately pick, pull, and prepare products for shipment to meet shipping cutoff times and regulatory standards.
• Assist with inventory accuracy by cross-checking products and reporting discrepancies; supply materials to production lines as needed.
• Perform stock alignments to improve inventory performance and accuracy.
• Efficiently move product from staging/storage areas into rail cars or trailers.
• Maintain tight inventory control and security through appropriate records and reports.
• Follow all GMP, safety, company policies, and OSHA compliance guidelines to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain facility equipment and materials in a neat, clean, and orderly fashion.
• Conduct daily inspections of trucks and complete operational checklists.
• Recharge batteries as required.
• Utilize RF scanners for shipping and receiving tasks.

Requirements

• Minimum 2+ years of related experience and/or training in a food manufacturing/foodservice environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Experience operating in a fast-paced, ready-to-eat food facility is a plus.
• Understanding of basic arithmetic in all units of measure to perform standard operating procedures.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and write simple instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Effective memory skills and excellent interpersonal/communication abilities.
• Strong multi-tasking skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work well under pressure while demonstrating honesty, respect, and trustworthiness.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Skills

• Teamwork: Gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to a positive team spirit; prioritizes team success over individual interests; builds morale and group commitments to goals.
• Interpersonal Skills: Low ego, high confidence; comfortable in a direct, results-focused environment; focuses on conflict resolution; maintains confidentiality; listens without interrupting; remains open to innovative ideas.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly in both positive and negative situations; listens and seeks clarification; responds concisely to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and concisely; adapts writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; interprets written information accurately.
• Ethics: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires trust; upholds integrity and organizational values.

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a manufacturing plant environment with exposure to loud noises, dust, dirt, heat, sparks, oil, and smoke. Personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, appropriate clothing, hard hat) is required. Activities include extended periods of sitting and standing.

Physical Requirements

• Above-average endurance and coordination, including hand-eye, hand-foot, and balance, with the ability to climb racking systems up to 15’ above the ground.
• Bending, crouching under racking, and frequent getting on/off the forklift required.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach, stretch, bend, kneel, and/or crouch.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, color distinction, and peripheral vision.
• Perception of sound is required.

Schedule

6:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Pay

$23.24 per hour

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision