Job at a glance
High Reach Forklift Operator Job Description This role is responsible for safely operating a high reach forklift to move, store, and retrieve frozen food products throughout a fast-paced warehouse and distribution environment. The position supports shipping, receiving, and general warehouse operations while maintaining strict safety, food quality, and inventory accuracy standards. The regular schedule is on 2nd shift from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with training during the first week on 1st shift from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Responsibilities Operate a high reach forklift to transport, stack, and retrieve palletized frozen products in high-rack storage locations. Load and unload trailers while protecting product integrity and following all safety standards. Accurately pick, stage, and move inventory in line with production and shipping schedules. Use RF scanners and warehouse management systems to record and track inventory transactions.
Perform daily equipment inspections and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns to supervision. Maintain accurate inventory counts and assist with cycle counts as required. Follow all food safety, GMP, OSHA, and company policies and procedures at all times. Work safely in freezer and refrigerated storage areas while using required personal protective equipment. Keep warehouse, docks, and storage areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
Communicate inventory discrepancies, damaged product, equipment issues, and safety concerns to supervisors. Assist with receiving, shipping, and general warehouse activities as needed to support operations. Support team members and overall warehouse operations to meet production and customer requirements. Handle frozen food products in accordance with established quality standards. Prioritize tasks and respond effectively to changing priorities, shipping demands, and operational needs.
Apply common sense understanding to carry out written and verbal instructions and follow warehouse procedures. Safely operate material handling equipment in tight warehouse spaces and high-rack locations. Identify product, inventory, quality, or equipment issues and take appropriate action. Contribute to a safe, efficient, and productive work environment through reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
Perform other duties as assigned to support warehouse and distribution activities. Essential Skills Previous high reach forklift experience. Ability to operate a high reach forklift safely in narrow aisles and high-rack storage locations. Experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or cold storage environment preferred. Comfort working in freezer and refrigerated temperatures for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary. Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical warehouse duties throughout the shift. Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety. Ability to maintain accurate inventory counts and follow inventory procedures. Capability to follow written and verbal instructions and apply common sense reasoning. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Reliable attendance and strong work ethic. Comfort working in and out of freezer environments throughout the shift. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience operating reach trucks in addition to high reach forklifts. Background working in warehouse, distribution, or cold storage facilities. Experience handling food products while following GMP and food safety standards. Strong commitment to safety, accuracy, and productivity.
Experience using RF scanners and warehouse management systems. Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Problem-solving and decision-making skills related to inventory movement and storage. Ability to identify product, inventory, quality, or equipment issues and escalate or resolve appropriately. Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, shipping demands, and operational needs.
Material handling and gen