Forklift Operator

For over 120 years, Americold has connected producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and accessible. With 240+ facilities across four continents and 14,000+ team members, we’re a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics. Our mission is to help our customers feed the world.

About the role

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility.
• Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
• In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety.
• Meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned.
• Ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently drive a forklift, sit, hear, or talk, use close vision, use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, and type and manipulate controls.
• Occasionally use distance vision, stand, kneel, or crouch.
• Work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and access elevated products from inside safety cage.
• Stand to rebuild pallets with products for up to 5 hours over an 8-10-12 hour shift.
• Occasionally walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Lift boxes of varying weights from 10 lbs. up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 80 inches in height and up to 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height rebuilding pallets without assistance.
• Lift and carry product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.
• Wear clothing, boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards/requirements.

Benefits

At Americold, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and future. U.S. Only:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with Company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off

Some benefits may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).