Forklift Operator US- Material handler

Refresco Careers•Dunkirk, NY

About The Position

The Forklift Operator (Material Handler) supports warehouse and production operations by moving raw materials, supplying production lines, and completing warehouse transactions using forklift-mounted computer units and SAP. The role operates powered industrial trucks in a fast-paced production plant and may also include production machine operation duties. The operator is responsible for following health and safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices, personal protective equipment requirements, and food quality and safety guidelines. The role also includes forklift inspections, safe battery or propane tank changes, maintaining clean work areas, and representing the company positively. Work takes place in a supervised production environment with moving equipment, noise, and temperatures that may be very hot or relatively cold. Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnight shifts, and holidays may be required; overtime is scheduled as needed.

Requirements

Read and write job instructions in the acceptable language or languages specified for the location.
Perform basic computer functions.
Demonstrate basic operation of powered industrial trucks.
Hold forklift certification from an approved Refresco trainer.
High school certification or equivalent GED.
Demonstrate excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise equipment control.
Be able to meet the physical demands described, including lifting 50 pounds and operating a forklift.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of work experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
Familiarity with warehouse management software for tracking inventory and logistics.
Basic computer skills for operating production software and logging data.
Ability to analyze data and process parameters to optimize production.
Ability to quickly identify and resolve operational issues.

Responsibilities

Follow health and safety policies and procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, and required personal protective equipment rules in warehouse and production areas.
Follow food quality and food safety guidelines established by Refresco, customers, and governing bodies such as SQF.
Load and unload raw materials from incoming trucks and transport them to designated areas.
Validate quantities using Blind Count Sheets or SAP transactions performed on the forklift computer.
Use forklift-mounted Vehicle Mounted Units (VMUs) to access SAP and complete truck loading, unloading, and other warehouse functions.
Operate powered industrial trucks in a high-paced environment.
Supply raw materials to production lines as required.
Perform pre-trip forklift inspections and follow forklift battery or propane tank changing operations and safety procedures.
Perform other driving activities as directed by leadership.
Clean and maintain work areas throughout the shift.
Represent the company positively.
Perform production machine operation duties when assigned.
Participate in safety audits and inspections to support a safe working environment.