Plant Forklift Operator

UDA - United Dairymen of Arizona•Tempe, AZ

3d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Warehouse/Forklift Operator safely and efficiently supports production and warehouse operations. The role operates a forklift, moves and tracks finished product, keeps production lines stocked with materials and supplies, and ensures products are correctly coded, palletized, labeled, and recorded. It also involves trailer loading, palletizer operation, equipment troubleshooting, pallet organization, and maintaining a clean and safe production environment. The position requires dependability, safety awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently across multiple production lines and priorities during 12-hour shifts. The position is full-time at the Main Plant in Tempe, Arizona, on a day shift scheduled from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The job description also states that shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays as required. No travel is required.

Requirements

At least one year of previous experience; forklift or other heavy machinery experience is preferred.
High school diploma or educational equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain fork truck certification under UDA specifications.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability to read, hear, speak, understand, and carry out verbal and written instructions in English sufficiently for effective communication.
Ability to work independently, stay on task, and remain organized amid interruptions and distractions.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.
Ability to work efficiently across multiple production lines simultaneously.
Ability to communicate clearly and frequently with customers, employees, contractors, and others.
Ability to safely operate equipment and visually observe the condition of surroundings.
Ability to sit and drive a forklift for prolonged periods; stoop, bend, reach, lift, and carry items up to 55 pounds often; occasionally push and pull items exceeding 55 pounds with assistance; pull down vertically on a chain multiple times per shift; and climb on and off a forklift multiple times per shift.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience operating a forklift or other heavy machinery.

Responsibilities

Follow SOPs and HACCP guidelines, along with UDA quality, safety, and GMP policies; report nonconformities.
Perform the daily forklift checklist.
Keep production lines clear of new production and stocked with the correct bags and supplies.
Apply pallet labels and track product from packing lines on the Daily Pallet Tracking Log.
Record pallet moves into the production warehouse in the product putaway log.
Check that new production is properly coded, including legible print, correct dates, bag counts, and product type; report issues to the packaging operator and, if unresolved on the first available pallet, notify the supervisor on duty.
Ensure new production is satisfactorily palletized, including use of a plastic slip sheet for LPL lactose.
On day shift, work with outside sanitation employees to stock the production area with pallets and bags for the day and night shifts.
Assist with pallet jams and conveyor problems within the scope of training.
Coordinate with warehouse forklift staff on product placement, trailer moves, and other warehouse functions.
Load trailers as needed, verify loads, and complete trailer inspection forms.
Maintain proper butter stacking, triple-stack when needed with the oldest pallets on the bottom, and place slip sheets between stacked pallets.
Keep the production warehouse swept, dispose of damaged bags in the appropriate AF tote, and restack pallets in production as needed.
On day shift, work with outside sanitation personnel to move trash from production to outside as needed.
Operate and troubleshoot the palletizer using the HMI, ensuring pallets feed correctly and follow the proper sequence.
Perform other duties as required.