Sanitation Forklift Operator - 3rd Shift

Nichols Farms•Hanford, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Nichols Farms is a leading processor of pistachios and almonds, with a state-of-the-art facility in Hanford, California, employing over 350 people. The company is dedicated to the training and growth of its team members, fostering a culture of mutual success through operational excellence and educational development. The Sanitation Forklift II role is a critical hands-on position within the Sanitation Team, responsible for daily sanitation needs, maintaining the plant environment, and ensuring compliance with mandatory sanitation requirements for machinery, equipment, and facilities. This role adheres to company policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws. Key duties include operating a tractor for waste management, washing heavy bins, performing confined space cleaning, applying pesticides and herbicides, maintaining rodent control bait stations, and sorting trash. The position also involves cleaning and sanitizing plant and production equipment, safe chemical handling, and building/grounds upkeep. Operation of a Forklift (sit down and stand up), scissor lift, and boom lift is also required.

Requirements

Ability to identify and communicate conditions that affect employee safety.
Ability to listen and follow directions and follow procedures as trained.
Communicate and make suggestions for improvement.
Ability to effectively build working relationships.
Works effectively with teams and work groups.
Actively participates in problem-solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to adapt to changes in the workplace.
Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
Words and actions lead to mutual success.
Maintains positive work relationships.
Regularly required to walk, stand for periods of time at workstation, climb stairs, climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and reach with hands and arms.
Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.
Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Sanitation processes and procedures preferred.
Knowledge of pest control is a plus or ability to learn concepts and practices.
Forklift experience a plus or ability to become certified to operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, tractor as needed within 30 days of hire.
Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Promote a "safety first" culture within the Sanitation department and all other departments.
Follow all safety rules as trained and lead by example (including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space and chemical use).
Complete daily sanitation tasks such as sanitation of equipment lines and tools.
Support measures to continuously improve sanitation methods, equipment performance, and quality.
Support training of employees regarding sanitation standards, GMPs, SSOPs and objectives by following procedures as trained and leading by example for new team members.
Conduct regular inspections of equipment for wear and tear and report issues to the lead or supervisor.
Communicate improvement opportunities to supervisor such as changes in equipment, plant layout, lighting, ventilation, or work practices to improve sanitation standards and effectiveness of the process.
Follow updated chemical usage procedures.
Successfully complete chemical dilutions and verifications.
Remain informed of chemical labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets and updates.
Operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, and floor scrubber & ride-on floor sweeper/tractor as assigned.
Operate a tractor on and off campus, connecting trailers, and dumping waste.
Washing full and half-size bins, which involves manual handling; bins weighing approximately 180 lbs. are moved using forklifts when necessary.
Perform confined space work, including cleaning inside hoppers and cleaning tanks.
Applying pesticides and herbicides as needed.
Perform rodent control by monitoring and maintaining chemical bait stations.
Separate and dump trash at roll-off containers.
Perform waste management duties as assigned.
Work safely with hazardous chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment.
Climb ladders and work at a variety of heights and in confined spaces.
Work overtime and weekends based on business needs.
Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.