Warehouse Forklift Operator – Stand Up

Warehouse Forklift Operator – Stand Up 

Department: Warehouse Operations

Reports To: Warehouse Supervisor / Warehouse Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time - Mornings

Position Summary

The Warehouse Forklift Operator is responsible for safely operating stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks to transport, stage, replenish, and organize products throughout the warehouse. This position plays a critical role in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting warehouse efficiency, and ensuring products are handled safely and efficiently in a fast-paced food distribution environment.

Essential Functions

• Safely operate stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks to transport, stage, replenish, load, unload, and organize products throughout the warehouse in accordance with company safety policies and operating procedures.
• Transport products between receiving, storage, replenishment, staging, picking, and shipping locations.
• Replenish pick locations to support efficient order fulfillment.
• Load, unload, stack, and organize pallets while maintaining product integrity.
• Perform required pre-operational inspections of assigned equipment and promptly report equipment deficiencies, maintenance needs, or safety concerns.
• Verify product identification, quantities, lot numbers, and product condition during material movement.
• Support inventory accuracy by properly relocating and staging products within the warehouse.
• Follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory rotation practices.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies, food safety standards, and warehouse operating procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around assigned equipment and operating zones.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience operating a stand-up forklift in a warehouse or distribution environment required.
• Ability to safely operate warehouse equipment as needed.
• Basic reading and math skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience operating powered industrial trucks (PITs) preferred.
• Experience working in a foodservice, produce, grocery, cold storage, or distribution warehouse preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Safe operation of stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Warehouse material handling and product movement.
• Inventory control and FIFO inventory practices.
• Food safety and sanitation standards.
• Equipment inspection and safe operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and effectively use RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Effective verbal communication.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and performing physical work throughout the workday.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling products weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, twisting, climbing, and performing repetitive movements as required to perform essential job duties.
• Safely operating stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks throughout the workday.
• Using hands and arms for grasping, handling, lifting, steering, and operating warehouse equipment.
• Working in refrigerated, freezer, and ambient warehouse environments.
• Wearing and properly using required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

Employees work in a warehouse and food distribution environment and may be exposed to refrigerated, freezer, and ambient temperature conditions, moving equipment, loading docks, warehouse traffic, and moderate to high noise levels. Strict adherence to food safety, workplace safety, food safety, and company operating procedures is required.

Schedule Expectations

This position may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and flexible scheduling based on operational and customer needs.

Benefits

Brothers Food Service offers a competitive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Brothers Food Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Brothers Food Service reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as business needs require. Employees may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities to meet operational needs.