1st shift Forklift Operator

Central Garden & Pet Company; Gravesville (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision

Free Life and Disability Insurance

401(k) with 3% company match

Paid vacation, holidays and sick time

On-site Wellness Center

Access to online courses

Parental leave

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company in Chilton, WI is seeking a 1st Shift Forklift Operator for our Kaytee Distribution Center. You will safely operate sit-down/stand-up forklifts, move inventory, load/unload trucks, and assist with cycle counts and order picking.

The role requires forklift experience, RF scanner familiarity, basic math, and strong teamwork. Kaytee offers comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and an onsite wellness program.

Qualifications

• Forklift experience required or preferred.
• Comfortable using RF scanners (training provided).
• Receiving Goods experience preferred.
• Must perform basic math.

Responsibilities

• Safely, accurately and efficiently operate a forklift (sit-down/stand-up) and/or handcart.
• Accurately complete RF scanner functions affecting inventory and paperwork.
• Move product to appropriate storage locations.
• Load trucks (as assigned).
• Unload trucks (as assigned).
• Pick orders (as assigned).
• Operate forklift safely throughout the facility.
• Keep work area clean and orderly.
• Support department goals and objectives.
• Other tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Report any Food Safety issues to authorized personnel for correction.

Skills

Forklift operation

RF scanner

Teamwork

Basic math

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

RF Scanner

Forklift certification

Job description

Location: Chilton, WI, United States

Date Posted: Oct 14, 2026

Job ID: JV-2615

Central Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 1st ShiftForklift Operator to join our team in Distribution Center at Kaytee in Chilton, WI. In this role you will be responsible for accurately picking and preparing orders, unloading trucks, loading trucks, and moving material throughout the facility. This position will also be responsible for some inventory functions including cycle counts.

At Kaytee, you have the opportunity to work with products for birds, hamsters, rabbits and other small animals. We offer a safe, clean work environment with an onsite fitness center and an onsite Health & Wellness clinic for employees and their families. Other benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, free life and disability insurance and a full 3% match on your 401k contributions, along with a yearly profit-sharing bonus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely, accurately and efficiently operating a forklift (sit-down/stand-up) and/or handcart.
• Accurately complete RF scanner functions affecting inventory, and paperwork.
• Move product to appropriate storage locations.
• Load trucks (as assigned).
• Unload trucks (as assigned).
• Pick Orders (as assigned).
• Ability to operate a forklift throughout the facility safely.
• Keeps the work area clean and orderly.
• Understand and support the goals and objectives of the department.
• Other tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Responsible for reporting any Food Safety issues to authorized personnel for correction.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous forklift (sit-down/stand-up) or handcart experience (preferred).
• Comfortable with the use of an RF Scanner (will train).
• Receiving Goods experience.
• Must be able to perform basic math skills.
• Must have the ability to lift/handle up to 30 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Must have the ability to lift/handle 31-60 lbs. on a moderate basis.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently.
• A Kaytee certification in forklift driving is required (will train).
• Ability to communicate effectively with others and work in a team environment.
• Must have solid organizational skills.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a warehouse environment.
• Warehouse temperatures can vary due to outside temperatures.
• Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours (on each respective shift) and average at least 40 hours a week.
• There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave
• On-site Wellness Center
• 24HR on-site gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro ® , Aqueon ® , Cadet ® , C&S ® , Farnam ® , Ferry-Morse ® , Four Paws ® , Kaytee ® , Nylabone ® and Pennington ® , strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees 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.