Forklift Operator

About the role

Responsible for all general warehouse functions including loading, unloading, manual depalletizing, receiving, putting away, pulling and replenishing, and selecting product when qualified and as needed in accordance with Preferred Work Methods (PWMs).

Responsibilities

• Follow warehouse management system directed tasking to transport pallets of product safely between staging areas (docks, pack/holds, manual depalletizing area and storage areas (racks)) following established PWMs.
• Put away product using material handling equipment (MHE), primarily a reach forklift.
• Inspect product being moved for shortages, damage, quality, or deterioration of packing and report to supervisor.
• Replenish product to full pallet or hand stack pick location/slot from reserve location following directed tasking and established PWMs.
• Remove shrink wrap, bands or tape when placing a pallet into a selection location (for replenishments).
• Ensure pallets are secured with shrink wrap for effective delivery to a door or staging area and to rack storage (for puts).
• Deliver stacked pallets to assigned area on loading dock in an effort to ensure that products are accurately staged and can be systematically loaded.
• Must successfully complete the forklift operator certification process and testing and be able to perform the PWMs.
• Work effectively with immediate supervisor to minimize warehouse shrink/damage (product loss).
• Ensure the neatness and cleanliness of assigned work areas and travel aisles, and the accuracy of warehouse locations.
• Report any unfixable/unsafe issues immediately to supervisor.
• Observe and enforce all safety rules to eliminate accidents and injuries.
• Operate appropriate MHE, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, in a safe and orderly manner to eliminate accidents and injuries.
• Observe proper lifting techniques and physical work practices in accordance with established PWMs.
• Ensure that MHE is maintained (perform daily inspection) and clean; report repair or service needs to supervisor to minimize equipment damage and down time.
• Use warehouse computers and RF equipment in a safe and professional manner to avoid damage to equipment.
• Understand and comply with all applicable Company policies (i.e. attendance, Code of Business Conduct & Ethics, Associate Handbook, etc.).
• Comply with all applicable State/Federal laws, regulations, and policies (i.e. OSHA {Occupational Health and Safety Administration}, HACCP {Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points}, etc.).
• Supports food safety policies, standard operating procedures, and prerequisite food safety control programs that meet legal and quality requirements and industry best practices as defined in our Food Safety Commitment documentation.
• Performs other warehouse duties as assigned.

  Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must pass a functional capacity test.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with supervision, management and co-workers.
  • Must be able to observe and to communicate those observations verbally and in written form to others responsible for the equipment operation and maintenance.
  • Education and Experience: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred; six months previous forklift experience required. Reach truck experience preferred. Material handling equipment experience preferred. Crown and/or Raymond reach truck experience a plus.

  Physical Requirements

  • Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.
  • Sometimes required to stoop, kneel, crouch or sit.
  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Exposure to fast moving material handling equipment or other mechanical equipment, extreme cold or heat in freezer/cooler warehouse environments including temperature of zero degrees.
  • Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, contained toxic or caustic chemicals, low voltage electrical equipment and vibration.
  • Exposure to noise level in the work environment usually is loud.
  • Work hours: Full-time position. The incumbent must have the ability to work a varying schedule which might include shift work (days or nights), weekdays or weekends, and some holidays.
  • Travel: Not required.