Forklift Operator Union

About the role

Reporting to the department Manager, the Sanitation Technician (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, supplying raw materials to production lines, and removing finished goods from production lines. 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 (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard toe and slip/oil resistant shoes, appropriate safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Adhere to food quality and food safety guidelines per Refresco, Customer, and/or governing bodies (e.g., SQF) standards.
• Load and unload raw materials from incoming trucks and transport them to designated areas.
• Validate quantities by use of Blind Count Sheets or SAP transactions performed on forklift computer.
• Use SAP database through Vehicle Mounted Units (VMUs) installed on forklifts.
• Load/unload trucks and perform all other warehouse functions within SAP using the forklift VMU.
• Operate powered industrial trucks (PITs) in a high-paced environment and maintain in-house forklift certification.
• Supply raw materials to the production lines as required.
• Perform pre-trip forklift inspections and adhere to forklift battery or propane tank changing operations and safety 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.

Requirements

• High School Certification or equivalent (GED).
• 3+ years of work experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience operating a forklift required.
• Must be forklift certified by an approved Refresco trainer.
• Capability to read and write job instructions in the specified acceptable language(s) for the location.
• Ability to perform basic computer functions.

Skills

• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to quickly identify and resolve operational issues.
• Technology: Familiarity with warehouse management software for tracking inventory and logistics; basic computer skills for operating production software and logging data.
• Cognitive: Ability to analyze data and process parameters to optimize production.
• Safety and Risk Management: Participation in safety audits and inspections to ensure a safe working environment.

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnight, and holidays may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Work Environment: Fast-paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise level requires hearing protection, and temperatures can vary (hot or cold). The environment is structured and supervised.

Pay

$18 - $21 per hour (plus shift differential).

Schedule

3rd shift: 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Legal Benefits.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match.
• 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Paid Time Off.
• Well-being Benefits.
• Discount and Total Reward Programs.