Forklift Operator (1st Shift)

CJ Logistics HR Team•Bethlehem, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently operates forklifts, electric pallet jacks (EPJ), and other material handling equipment (MHE) to support accurate order fulfillment, inventory management, and daily warehouse operations. The role includes loading, unloading, picking, putting away, and consolidating products while meeting CJ Logistics America’s safety and quality standards. The position is performed on-site in a warehouse and distribution center. The stated schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. The base hourly wage is $20.28. The employee may work around varying temperatures, including refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas, loud machinery and conveyor noise, dust, odors, airborne particles, concrete floors, mechanical equipment, powered industrial vehicles, and warehouse traffic. Required PPE includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests. The role has physical requirements including extended standing or walking, bending and other varied movements, climbing, reaching, handling equipment and objects, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting with or without assistance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least six months of related warehouse or distribution experience.
Basic math and reading skills.
Ability to operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and electric pallet jacks.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Effective problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Ability to perform essential duties while following safety and operational standards.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including standing or walking for extended periods, climbing, reaching, handling objects, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds; occasional heavier lifting may be required with or without assistance.
Ability to see clearly at close and distant ranges, including peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
Ability to hear and understand instructions, alarms, and equipment signals in a noisy environment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse or logistics environment.
Prior experience operating multiple types of forklifts and material handling equipment.
Prior experience with warehouse management systems (WMS).
Familiarity with electronic record-keeping and label-printing systems.
Experience collaborating with customer operations and inventory teams.

Responsibilities

Safely operate stand-up and/or sit-down forklifts to move, load, unload, pick, put away, and consolidate products.
Perform manual case picking and other material handling tasks, using equipment such as electric pallet jacks as needed.
Replenish inventory in appropriate storage bays and maintain accurate product placement.
Prepare products for shipment by palletizing, wrapping, and staging them according to shipping requirements.
Assist with physical inventories and cycle counts as directed.
Visually inspect products and outbound shipments and perform quality checks to ensure accuracy and prevent damage.
Audit outbound loads, resolve labeling discrepancies, and address shortages.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE protocols.
Participate in required safety and compliance training, including forklift and hazardous-material-handling training.
Coordinate with warehouse associates, leads, and supervisors to meet daily productivity and service targets.
Promptly communicate product defects, inventory issues, and operational concerns to management.
Demonstrate teamwork and contribute to continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required.