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The Cooler Forklift Operator plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of perishable goods by ensuring their safe and efficient transport and storage within a refrigerated environment. This role involves operating a forklift in cold conditions, managing inventory using RF scanning equipment, and adhering to strict safety and food safety protocols.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Safely operate material handling equipment (MHE), primarily a forklift (sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, etc.), within the cooler area.
- Load and unload trailers and move products onto pallets and into designated storage areas or racks.
- Transport materials between the receiving/shipping docks, production areas, and storage locations.
- Utilize RF scanners and warehouse management systems (WMS) to accurately track inventory movement, location, and quantities.
- Perform daily pre-shift inspections on MHE, reporting any mechanical issues or damages immediately to a supervisor or maintenance team.
- Ensure proper product rotation using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method to maintain product freshness and quality.
- Inspect products for damages, shortages, or quality issues and report discrepancies as needed.
- Adhere strictly to all company safety, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and OSHA guidelines and policies.
- Maintain a clean, neat, and hazard-free work environment, including performing general housekeeping duties like ice removal or sweeping.
- Secure loads with strapping, bracing, or stretch wrap to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to ensure smooth workflow and operational efficiency.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
- Valid forklift operator certification or ability to become certified upon hire.
- [Specify required experience, e.g., 1+ years] of recent, verifiable forklift experience in a fast-paced environment, preferably in cold storage operations.
- Experience using RF scanners and basic computer skills for inventory management.
- Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills (ability to read, write, and speak English).
- Ability to work a varying schedule, including shifts, weekends, and holidays as required by production needs.
- Ability to work for extended periods in a cold, wet, and/or humid environment with temperatures typically ranging from 35°F to freezing (0°F or below), with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift/move up to 50 lbs. frequently, and occasionally lift and/or move heavier items with assistance.
- Must be able to wear company-provided cold-weather PPE, including insulated boots, gloves, and layered apparel, without mobility limitations.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
- Exposure to moderate to loud noise levels in a warehouse setting.
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