Forklift Operator Union

About the role

Reporting to the department Manager, the Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of powered industrial trucks. Responsibilities include loading and unloading trucks with raw materials and/or finished goods. Forklift Operators may also supply raw materials to a production line as well as remove finished goods from a production line. Forklift Operators will acquire and maintain in‑house forklift certification and adhere to all safety guidelines and Personal Protection Equipment.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas.
• Responsible for adhering to food quality and food safety guidelines per Refresco, customer, and governing bodies (e.g., SQF) standards.
• Load and unload raw materials from incoming trucks and transport them to designated areas.
• Validate quantities using Blind Count Sheets or SAP transactions performed on the forklift computer.
• Operate powered industrial trucks (PITs) in a high‑paced environment and maintain in‑house forklift certification.
• Supply raw materials to production lines as required.
• Perform pre‑trip forklift inspections and follow battery or propane tank changing procedures.
• Perform any other driving activities as directed by leadership.
• Clean and maintain work areas throughout the shift.
• Represent the company in a positive manner at all times.
• May have production machine operation duties.

Skills

• Capability to read and write job instructions in the specified language(s) for the location.
• Basic computer functions and ability to use warehouse management software and SAP through Vehicle Mounted Units (VMUs).
• Demonstrated basic operation of powered industrial trucks.
• Forklift certification by an approved Refresco trainer.
• Problem‑solving: quickly identify and resolve operational issues.
• Technology: familiarity with warehouse management software and basic computer skills for production software and data logging.
• Cognitive: ability to analyze data and process parameters to optimize production.
• Safety and risk management: participation in safety audits and inspections.
• Excellent hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise equipment control.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 3+ years work experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 lb (minimum 5 lb) and carrying weight.
• Frequent walking and driving (forklift).
• Climbing stairs/ladders or balancing as needed.
• Regular visual/sensory attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Excellent hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to work under mental stress from deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy demands.

Schedule

Work may include weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnight shifts, and holidays. Overtime scheduled as needed.

Work Environment

Fast‑paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise level requires hearing protection; temperatures can be very hot or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised. No travel required.