Forklift Operator

Russell Stover•Abilene, KS

About The Position

The Forklift Operator helps ensure the efficient movement of materials and finished products throughout the facility. The role transports materials to work areas, moves finished goods into storage, and returns unused materials to designated locations. Other tasks include placing pallet tops, banding and shrink-wrapping skids, moving trash bales, loading trash trailers, and assisting with truck loading and unloading. The operator uses scanning equipment to track inventory movement and product placement, maintains accurate counts, enters data into the system, and supports production by issuing products to lines and consolidating product. The position also involves maintaining the shrink-wrapper printer and its ribbons and labels, keeping the work area clean and audit-ready, and completing other duties as assigned. The operator must follow safe operating practices, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and food safety and quality requirements. This includes completing required FSQA training, promptly reporting food safety hazards or process deviations to the designated plant supervisor, and contributing to the company’s food safety culture. The work environment includes protective gear, automated packing machines, forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and exposure to ingredients that may include allergens such as nuts and milk. Most roles are in a climate-controlled environment.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
Ability 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 their designated locations.
Unload and load trailers and assist with loading and unloading trucks.
Use handheld scanners to receive orders and put away products in storage locations.
Verify and maintain inventory, perform routine inventory counts, and enter inventory 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 shrink-wrapper printer, including ribbons and labels.
Keep the work area clean, organized, and ready for audits.
Follow GMP practices and complete and comply with FSQA training and programs.
Promptly report food safety hazards, process deviations, and non-conformities to the designated plant supervisor.
Contribute to continuous improvement of the company’s food safety culture.
Perform other duties as assigned.