Forklift Operator

Job Summary: Responsible for the safe, effective and efficient operation of forklift trucks in and out of freezers, warehouse and surroundings.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Brings customers’ orders out of freezer in good time.
• Maintains the forklift in proper and safe operation conditions.
• Ensures that the freezer equipment is maintained in a workable condition.
• Moves palletized goods in and around the warehouse.
• Responsible for using a forklift, clamp truck, or other power equipment to load, unload, move, stack, stage and count product and materials. Perform other related tasks which could involve using specialist equipment such as pump trucks, telescopic handlers and counter-balance trucks.
• Use equipment for picking, receiving and storing as required. Loading and unloading goods for and from deliveries.
• Perform picking duties in an efficient manner that meets customer service standards.
• Efficiently stack and store the merchandise in the appropriate areas. Efficiently move product as required. Transport goods to and from storage areas, freezers, production lines, etc.
• Accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle. Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following prescribed work methods. Comply with OSHA Standards.
• Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate and free of damage. Report quality and quantity variances.
• Ensure proper stock rotation. Keep appropriate records and reports to guarantee that tight inventory control and security.
• Tidying and stacking empty pallets.
• On a daily basis, inspect and perform minor maintenance on the forklift or other equipment, checking that the lift trucks are in good working order and making sure any loads are safe and secure.
• Maintain the facility’s equipment and materials and a clean, neat, and orderly work area.
• Any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned by your supervisor from time to time

Skills/Attributes Required:

• Cautious: Careful and vigilant driver.
• Knowledgeable about load limits, movement in confined spaces, proper placement of pallets and loads onto racking and other storage devices.
• Good planning: To exercise foresight in the situating of goods in the freezers.
• Communication: Has a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with management, co-workers, suppliers and customers.
• Good Judgment: Able to estimate how much a load weighs and to judge the width and height of a load to make sure it will fit in a designated area. Able to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles and to properly drive it in reverse.
• Reflexes and Concentration: Excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. If a pallet or stack of items in a load is about to fall, the driver must be able to respond quickly to try to correct the problem. A high level of concentration is also required when operating a forklift to avoid accidents.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to the work environment and work site. Driver must be able to handle the situation with a cool head and an eye toward safety. Required to work outdoors to move or unload goods in a variety of good and bad weather.
• Safety Awareness: Safety is a top priority all employers. Awareness and attention to safety and finding the safest method and route especially when navigating steep, slippery or narrow surfaces with a load. Understanding the forces that might cause a forklift to tip over. Knowing the design and safety ratings of the forklift being driven.
• Machinery Maintenance: Forklift operators should understand how heavy mobile machinery operates and must be willing to follow instructions. Drivers must learn to follow an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist to make sure brakes, lights, steering, the horn and other parts are working properly. Must also know basic maintenance of the vehicles and need to know when something is wrong. Able to explain equipment problems to mechanics.
• Mathematics: Basic math skills for working out weights and distances.
• Adaptability: Forklifts are normally not the only equipment an employee will have to use and so drivers need to be adaptable enough to use a wide array of machines. These can range from standard pump trucks to more complicated vehicles such as counter-balances and side-loading trucks
• Teamwork: Able to work closely and effectively with drivers, other forklift operators, loaders, Managers and other employee as well as truck and delivery drivers.
• Leadership: Ability to inspire, motivate and lead

Education/Experience Required:

• CXC’ passes in Math and English.
• A minimum of at least three years previous experience in forklift operation.
• Expertise with food handling and safety standards.

Certifications/Licenses Required:

• Valid Forklift Operator’s License
• Food Badge
• Health & Safety Certificate