PM Forklift Operator - Shipping, Stuart

About the role

The Forklift Operator – Shipping is responsible for safely operating forklifts and other powered industrial equipment to move, load, stack, and stage finished fresh produce for outbound shipment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate order fulfillment, proper product rotation, and adherence to food safety and quality standards within a fast-paced, temperature-controlled manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down, stand-up, electric, or propane forklifts in a safe and efficient manner.
• Load and unload outbound shipments, ensuring correct quantities and product integrity.
• Stage finished goods by route, customer, or carrier according to shipping schedules.
• Verify pallet counts, lot codes, and product descriptions against shipping documentation.
• Inspect trailers prior to loading to ensure cleanliness and proper temperature.
• Secure loads to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
• Perform daily forklift inspections and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate records using RF scanners, WMS (Warehouse Management System), or shipping logs.
• Follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices to ensure product freshness.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and food safety requirements (GMPs, HACCP, SQF, etc.).
• Keep shipping and dock areas clean and organized.
• Absorb inventory counts and cycle counts as needed.
• Support other warehouse or production functions when required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years of forklift operating experience in a warehouse or manufacturing environment (food or produce preferred).
• Valid forklift certification (or ability to obtain certification).
• Experience in cold storage or temperature-controlled environments preferred.
• Familiarity with RF scanners and warehouse management systems a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in order fulfillment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of warehouse safety practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret shipping documents and bills of lading.
  • Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Basic math skills for counting and inventory verification.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize workload.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in a refrigerated or temperature-controlled warehouse environment.
• Exposure to wet floors, moving machinery, and forklift traffic.
• Fast-paced shipping dock environment with frequent truck traffic.
• May require overtime, weekends, or holidays based on production and shipping demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Repetitive bending, reaching, twisting, and climbing in and out of the forklift.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods when not operating equipment.
• Ability to work in cold and humid conditions.

Company Benefits/Perks

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)