Distribution Center Warehouse Equipment Operator

Pet Food Express is seeking Warehouse Equipment Operators that are team players and have a positive attitude to join our 197,000 sq ft. Distribution Center in Oakley, CA.

Warehouse Equipment Operators focus on safely unloading, receiving and moving inventory using warehouse equipment including forklifts, reach trucks and order pickers also known as cherry pickers. Reporting to the Inbound Distribution Supervisor, our Equipment Operators are responsible for operating warehouse equipment safely and efficiently, moving materials and inventory to the appropriate locations, and supporting accurate timely inbound operations.  

This role provides support to the distribution teams by ensuring products and materials are received, handled and moved efficiently throughout the warehouse to keep product flowing smoothly and help meet daily operational goals.

This posting supports current and upcoming warehouse openings specific to equipment operators within the distribution center.

If you are excited about a position that requires safe equipment operation, attention to detail, physical activity, teamwork and a commitment to getting the job done right this could be the opportunity for you. The ideal candidate takes pride in working safely, can work effectively in a fast-paced warehouse environment, is a team player, and is comfortable operating powered equipment.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6am – 2:30pm or 7am-3:30pm with ability to work OT based on business needs.

This is a non-exempt, temporary FT position. Initial hire will be through a 3rd party agency. This position may become permanent, be extended, or be cancelled at any time. Employees will be evaluated at or around minimum 30 days of employment to determine eligibility for conversion to a FT permanent position with Pet Food Express. Employees who are converted to FT receive a pay rate increase upon conversion.

The starting pay rates for equipment operators follow a tiered pay scale.
Warehouse Forklift Operator: $21.00/per hour - $21.50/per hour upon conversion
Warehouse Order Picker Operator: $21.50/per hour - $22.25/per hour upon conversion
Warehouse Reach Truck Operator: $22.00/per hour - $23.00/per hour upon conversion

Pet Food Express determines salary based on many factors, including but not limited to, local market rate, the qualified pool of candidates, internal compensation practices, a candidate’s actual skills and experience.


PFE Perks (For Eligible FT Permanent Employees):

• Grow with us: Many potential career paths and options for advancement within the company.
• Continued Learning: A focus on your development, certifications, and leadership training.
• Generous in-store employee discount that extends to your family.
• Be Healthy: Health with FSA options, dental, and vision insurance.
• Plan for the future: 401k with employer match.
• Get Rewarded: Employee referral bonuses.
• Rest and Relax: Competitive Paid Time Off

• Operate forklifts, order pickers, reach trucks and other warehouse equipment safely
• Manage high-volume receiving dock using sit down forklifts to transport large pallets to unload shipments out of inbound trailers or containers
• Staging & put-away of incoming inventory to designated storage racks and zones using reach truck or cherry picker to navigate narrow aisles and store packages in high vertical racks
• Inventory verification using scanners to check barcodes and ensure shipment accuracy
• Perform daily equipment inspections and operation of equipment according to safety standards

• Minimum 1 year of warehouse equipment-operation experience preferred
• Previous forklift/equipment certification is a plus but not required; in-house training and recertification will be provided
• Experience selecting large scale orders in warehouse or distribution environment and knowledge of warehouse practices and procedures preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs (occasionally 75lbs) repetitively. 
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Must be able to reach, lift, stoop, bend and perform extensive standing and walking (including stairs) throughout shift.
• Ability to stand and walk at a fast pace for the entirety of the shift.
• Comfortable working in an environment where there are forklifts, machinery, large trucks, and other standard warehouse equipment.
• Basic computer/technical skills to troubleshoot equipment.
• Highly dependable, strong commitment to punctuality and attendance.
• Eagerness to learn and participate in different functions of the Distribution Center.
• Able to communicate effectively, take direction, apply feedback and follow through.
• Enjoys working in a team environment and is able to build cooperative, mutually respectful working relationships.
• Self-starter with a positive attitude.
• At least 18 years of age

About the Company:
Pet Food Express is a leading California-based pet specialty retailer with a passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners. Our philosophy revolves around the belief that pets are part of the family, deserving of the best care possible. Since our inception, Pet Food Express has been committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve by promoting responsible pet ownership, supporting various animal welfare initiatives, and ensuring pets are happy, healthy and homed. With over 60 locations across the state, Pet Food Express has become a trusted destination for pet parents seeking high-quality products and personalized advice from knowledgeable and dedicated staff.

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities.

Pet Food Express is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. This applies to all Pet Food Express activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. Pet Food Express also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Pet Food Express is a place where everyone can learn and grow. However you identify and whatever your background, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come to work every day.

For applicants in our San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law.