Forklift Operator - Seasonal

Russell Stover•Iola, KS

13d

About The Position

At Russell Stover, the Forklift Operator helps ensure efficient movement of materials and finished products throughout the facility. The role transports materials to work areas, moves finished goods to storage, returns unused materials to designated locations, and supports related material-handling activities. Tasks may include placing pallet tops, banding and shrink-wrapping skids, moving trash bales, loading trash trailers, scanning and tracking inventory, maintaining accurate counts and entering data, maintaining the shrink-wrapper printer and its ribbons and labels, assisting with truck loading and unloading, and supporting plant management as needed. The operator safely uses machinery according to established standards and instructions; loads and unloads trailers; receives and puts away products using handheld scanners; verifies, counts, consolidates, and issues inventory to production lines; and keeps the work area clean and organized. The position follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) programs, promptly reports food safety hazards or process deviations, and contributes to the plant’s food safety culture. This is a seasonal position. The work environment includes protective gear, food-safety dress requirements, climate-controlled conditions in most roles, and exposure to ingredients that may be food allergens, including nuts and milk. Work involves extended periods on one’s feet, moving around, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Employment is contingent on I-9 employment eligibility verification, passing a urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
Must be able to operate and maintain a forklift.
Strong numerical skills and ability to perform basic math calculations accurately.
Ability to perform quality control checks.
Ability to work overtime.
Must pass forklift certification training within the first week.
Ottawa certification may be required.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of forklift operating experience.
Experience operating a handheld scanner.
A passion for learning.

Responsibilities

Operate machinery safely and proficiently according to standards, guidelines, and instructions.
Transport materials to work areas, move finished goods to storage, and return unused materials to designated locations.
Load and unload trailers and assist with loading and unloading trucks.
Use handheld scanners to receive orders, track inventory movement, and put products away in storage locations.
Verify and maintain inventory, perform routine inventory counts, and enter accurate data into the system.
Issue products to production lines and consolidate product as needed.
Place pallet tops, band and shrink-wrap skids, move trash bales, and load trash trailers.
Maintain the printer for the shrink wrapper, including its ribbons and labels.
Keep the work area clean, organized, and ready for audits.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and complete and follow FSQA training and programs.
Promptly report and take appropriate action on observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor.
Contribute to continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture.
Support plant management with additional duties as assigned.