Forklift Operator US

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in warehouse or production areas (including hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard toe and slip/oil resistant shoes, appropriate safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Responsible for adhering 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.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to operate powered industrial trucks (PITs) in a high‑paced environment and be in‑house forklift certified.
• 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/maintain work areas throughout the shift.
• Represents the company in a positive manner at all times.
• May have production machine operation duties.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed; this job description is not exhaustive.

Skills

• Capability to read and write job instructions in the specified acceptable language(s) for the location.
• Ability to perform basic computer functions.
• Demonstrate basic operation of powered industrial trucks.
• Must be forklift certified by an approved Refresco trainer.

Competencies

• Problem‑Solving Skills: Ability to quickly identify and resolve operational issues.
• Technology: Familiarity with warehouse management software for tracking inventory and logistics.
• Technology: 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.

Qualifications

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

Working Conditions

Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evenings, overnight and holidays may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.

Work Environment: Operating in a fast‑paced production plant with numerous moving parts. Noise level requires hearing protection and temperatures can get very hot and/or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised.

Travel Requirements: 0% travel anticipated.

Physical Requirements: Stand or Sit (Rarely); Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl (Occasionally); Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum 5 lbs) (Frequently); Carry weight, lift (Frequently); Walking (Frequently); Driving (forklift) (Frequently); Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Frequently); Visual/Sensory – regular need to give moderate attention with one or two senses at a time; Coordination and Dexterity – excellent hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise control of equipment; Mental Stress – pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy and similar demands.