1st Shift CDL/Yard Dog Operator

Central Garden & Pet Company; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 34,440 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company is seeking a CDL-qualified Yard Dog Operator in Fort Wayne, IN. The role involves safe yard movements of trailers, loading/unloading, and keeping the yard organized to support production and shipping.

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, with weekly pay and potential overtime during peak season. This is a hands-on, physically demanding position with travel limited to local site operations.

Qualifications

• CDL required and preferred experience with yard operations.
• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Strong attention to safety procedures and PPE compliance.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate yard trucks to move trailers and containers between dock doors, parking areas, and loading zones.
• Assist with loading and unloading trailers as needed.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and submit paperwork on time.
• Report maintenance or safety concerns to supervision immediately.
• Maintain yard organization and support production/shipping schedules.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety protocols

Verbal communication

Education

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Tools

Yard trucks (yard dogs)

Job description

Location: Fort Wayne, IN, United States
Date Posted: Jul 17, 2026
Job ID: JV-2382-OTHLOC-CBSxYfwI

**This is a physically demanding job involving, not only driving between warehouses but assisting both via forklift and manually in loading/unloading trucks/putaway.

Local travel only- Home Weekends. This would be a great opportunity for someone who just obtained their CDL but is not ready to go over the road.

Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm PAID WEEKLY!! (OT will be required during peak season)

The CDL/Yard Dog Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers and containers within the yard and between the two (2) locations of the manufacturing plant. This role requires a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and involves operating yard trucks (yard dogs) to position trailers for loading and unloading. The CDL/Yard Dog Operator plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials and products, maintaining yard organization, and supporting the overall logistics operations of the plant. Consistent and on-time attendance is vital!!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate yard trucks to move trailers and containers between dock doors, parking areas, and loading/unloading zones within the manufacturing facility’s yards.
• Assist with the loading and unloading of trailers as needed, ensuring that materials and products are handled safely and efficiently.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of yard trucks and trailers to ensure they are in safe operating condition. Ensure that all inspection paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Report any maintenance issues or safety concerns to the Warehouse Manager or Plant Manager immediately.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure that all movements within the yard are conducted safely and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Work closely with warehouse personnel, loaders, and the logistics team to ensure that trailers are moved in a timely manner to meet production and shipping schedules.
• Other duties as requested, including general housekeeping of warehouse.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience operating yard trucks or similar equipment in a logistics or manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and regulations related to yard operations and vehicle operations.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including climbing in and out of trucks, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
• Effective verbal communication skills for coordinating with team members and reporting to management.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required.
• Familiarity in a manufacturing environment preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

POSITION INFORMATION

• This position pays $25.00-$27.00 per hour depending on experience

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro® , Aqueon® , Best Bully Sticks® , Cadet® , C&S® , Farnam® , Ferry-Morse® , Kaytee® , Nylabone® , Pennington® , Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.