Warehousing/Storage - Forklift Driver Labor

Position: Forklift Driver

Department: Forklift Driver Labor

Location: 6550 WA-14, Bingen, WA 98605

Direct Supervisor: Facility Supervisor, Production Lead

Compensation: $18.28 - $21.28 per hour

Other Compensation: Discretionary Bonuses

Benefits: Employees (& qualifying family members) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our Company’s 401k plan. Both Pretax and Roth options are available. Employees are eligible for 5 days of vacation after 1 year, 10 days after 2 years, 15 days after 10 years, and 20 days after 20 years of employment. A free Costco Membership is offered annually.

Position Summary:

The forklift driver position at our fruit packing facility plays a pivotal role in the efficient handling and transportation of pears, apples, and cherries throughout the production and distribution process. As a forklift driver you will be primarily responsible for transporting culls, full bins, and empty bins at our facility. This critical position requires a skilled and safety-conscious individual to operate forklifts and support the overall functioning of the facility.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operating a forklift to move full bins of fruit from incoming trucks, to and from various locations within and outside the packing facility, including loading and unloading trucks, storing in cold rooms and/or CA rooms, and loading the dumper.
• Perform a variety of functions using your forklift to move pallets, supplies, empty bins, and full bins throughout the facility.
• Conducting regular safety checks on the forklift and reporting any issues or malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Ensuring that all pallets and bins of pears, apples, or cherries are properly stacked and secured on the forklift before transport.
• Following established procedures for handling and storing pears, apples, or cherries to prevent damage or spoilage.
• Collaborating with other team members to ensure that all processes that involve a forklift are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Maintaining a clean and organized work area, including sweeping floors and removing any debris or spills.
• May be required to change positions as needed in the packing facility.
• Adhere to good manufacturing practices, personal and work area hygiene & food safety standards and requirements.
• Work diligently and cautiously to ensure proper handling and packing of the products and maintain production rate.
• Work as a team with coworkers and follow routine rotations as directed.
• Follow all Plant Safety requirements and adhere to the Company Handbook.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work inside and outside a packing facility.
• Temperatures can be moderate to hot and cool in outdoor and indoor work environments.
• Exposure to the weather (Sun, Heat, Rain, snow).
• Worker must be able to withstand high temperatures though out entire shift with regular breaks.
• Must be able to get on and off forklift w/ three points of contact.
• Stand on feet for moderate amount of time.
• Must be able to sit on constant basis.
• Use of one or both hands to complete tasks in operation of forklift.
• Must have good hand dexterity.
• Visual acuity and reading of labels.

Experience/Education:

• Forklift Driving experience required
• Production or packing experience preferred
• HS Diploma/GED preferred
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred