Forklift Operator

Summary

The Forklift Driver is responsible for safely and efficiently operating forklifts and other material‑handling equipment to move, load, unload, and store products within the distribution warehouse. This role supports inbound receiving, outbound shipping, replenishment, staging, and inventory accuracy including loading and offloading trailer trucks. The Forklift Operator ensures all work follows safety standards, warehouse procedures, and quality requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates sit‑down and stand‑up reach forklifts safely and efficiently.
• Loads and unloads inbound/outbound trucks and verifies pallet counts.
• Moves pallets to storage locations, staging areas, and dock areas as directed.
• Performs put‑away and replenishment tasks using warehouse instructions.
• Secures loads with proper strapping, wrapping, or bracing to prevent damage.
• Accurately picks, stacks, and stages materials for outbound shipments.
• Reads and follows warehouse documentation, pick sheets, and verbal instructions.
• Attaches labels, tags, or identification markers to pallets and materials.
• Conducts basic forklift inspections before use and reports issues immediately.
• Assists with cycle counts, inventory verification, and location audits.
• Maintains clean and orderly aisles, docks, and storage areas.
• Follows all company safety procedures and warehouse operating standards.

Qualifications

• Become forklift certified.
• Travel: This position has no travel requirements.
• Work Conditions & Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 55 warehouse/production lbs.
  • Ability to stand for an extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to wear any required PPE such as scrubs, hair net, lab coat, and facemask.
  • Ability to work in a packaging area with a moderate powder substance in the air with or without a respirator.
  • Ability to work above shoulders.
  • Frequent squatting, bending, twisting, and bi-lateral wrist movement.
  • Ability to work around a variety of different smells and aromas.
  • Ability to adjust work schedule as business needs require.
• Quality/Safety Responsibilities: All Prinova employees are required to ensure compliance standards with food safety, food defense and food quality. (FDA, ILDPH, FSMA and BRC). It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with occupational safety and health standards issued under OSHA and to follow all rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Company to ensure that their actions do not impact the health and safety of themselves or others.