Forklift Operator (1st Shift) - Mountville

Role Purpose :

A Warehouse Forklift Operator plays a critical role in the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of a manufacturing facility's warehouse or distribution center. This position is responsible for operating forklifts (sit-down and stand-up) and other material handling equipment to move, locate, relocate, stack, load and unload trailers, and count merchandise, supplies, finished goods and raw materials. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, attention to detail, and teamwork.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Forklift Operation: Safely operate sit-down, stand-up, and/or reach forklifts to transport raw materials, components, and finished products throughout the warehouse and production areas.

• Utilize Radio Frequency (RF) Device/Scanners to accurately process and receive incoming materials and track inventory movements throughout the facility.

• Material Handling: Load, unload, move, stack, and arrange materials and products using a forklift, pallet jack, or other material handling equipment as assigned.

• Shipping and Receiving: Assist with the receipt, inspection, and verification of incoming shipments, and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping. Prepare outgoing shipments by staging and loading materials onto trucks or trailers.

• Quality Control: Inspect and verify materials and finished goods for damage, contamination, or discrepancies. Report and document any issues as per company policies.

• Safety Compliance: Strictly adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and guidelines, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe forklift operation practices. Participate in regular safety training and contribute to a culture of safety awareness.

• Equipment Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-operational safety checks on forklifts and related equipment. Report any mechanical issues or maintenance needs to the supervisor and help ensure equipment is clean and in good working condition.

• Workplace Organization: Keep the warehouse, loading dock, and production areas clean, organized, and free of hazards, following 5S or similar organizational methodologies.

• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with warehouse, production, and logistics teams to coordinate material flow and achieve operational goals.

• Documentation: Complete required paperwork, logs, and digital entries accurately and in a timely manner.

• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by supervisors or management to support overall warehouse and production operations.

Education and/or Experience :

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.

• At least 1-2 years of recent experience operating a forklift in a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution environment.

• Knowledge of warehouse safety procedures, material handling best practices, and basic inventory management concepts.

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, and work in environments with varying temperatures and noise levels.

• Attention to detail and good communication skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team.

• Flexibility to work different shifts, overtime, weekends, or holidays as needed.

• Demonstrated reliability and a strong work ethic.

Preferred:

• Experience in a lean manufacturing or high-volume production environment.

• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

• Additional material handling equipment certifications (e.g., reach truck, order picker, pallet jack).

Competencies and Proficiency Requirements :

• Must have completed company-provided training covering both classroom and hands-on instruction and possess a valid company-issued forklift operator's license.

• Refresher training participation in regular retraining or recertification, especially after incidents, near misses, or changes in equipment or work environment.

• Must demonstrate motor skills appropriate to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Must have the ability to safely and properly operate all assigned equipment.

• Must be knowledgeable in the basics of Good Storage Practice (GSP) regulations.

• Must work safely and responsibly, with strong attention to the quality and integrity of the materials being handled.

Scope :

• The Material Handler / Forklift Operator is responsible for relocating palletized materials from the warehouse or storage trailers to production areas and replenishing inventory stockpiles as needed. This role also involves removing materials from key locations on the plant floor and placing them in designated storage areas.

• As a vital team member, the operator plays a key role in maintaining First-In-First-Out (FIFO) stock rotation and supports the facility's pest control program through proper material handling and housekeeping practices.

• Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate records and documentation related to equipment safety checks, inventory control, and shipping/receiving activities. The operator will utilize RF scanning equipment to ensure accurate tracking of material receipts and movements.

• All work must be performed in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and company policies regarding safety, quality, and food safety programs and procedures.

• Perform and complete additional tasks as assigned by department supervisors or management to support overall warehouse and production operations.

Conditions of Role :

• Travel Requirements: None.

• Physical Conditions:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, bend, twist and stoop in required duties.

• Ability to use proper lifting methods on items up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to operate a forklift and other equipment for extended periods during a shift.

• Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes, high-visibility vests, eye/hearing protection, bump caps, along with head and facial hair coverings.

• Speaking – ordinary speech

• Near acuity (clarity of vision at 20 inches or less)

• Hearing – ordinary conversation

• The forklift's operator compartment has fixed dimensions. Operators must be able to enter, exit, and operate the stand up equipment without obstruction or risk to personal safety or equipment damage.

• Work Environment:

• May be exposed to varying temperatures, dust, and noise typical of a manufacturing warehouse environment.

• Exposure to flourescent lighting.

• Navigate and manuever the forklift or other equipment safely through tight spaces, around obstacles, and alongside other vehicles or pedestrians.

• Work in congested areas with varied load types, focus on safety, housekeeping protocols, awareness of facility layout, stock arrangement and organization techniques.

Compensation and Benefits:

• New starting wage is $20.00 / hour up to $23.00 / hour (commensurate with experience and location). *Note that rate could change based on shift schedule.
• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Critical illness and accident insurance
• Legal and identity protection insurance
• Pet insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Adoption assistance
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Parental Leave

Hain Celestial is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Company does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you need accommodations for any part of the employment process because of a disability, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 516-587-5000 to let us know the nature of your request.
EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disabled