3rd Shift Forklift Operator

RM Palmer Company, LLC; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

RM Palmer Company, LLC is seeking a dedicated Forklift Operator for the 3rd shift in Reading, PA. The role involves safely moving, unloading, staging, and storing materials to support Receiving, Warehouse, and Production operations.

You will operate forklifts and electric pallet jacks, load/unload trucks, and ensure accurate inventory handling while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED completed.
• 1–2 years forklift, receiving, shipping, warehouse, distribution, or material-handling experience preferred.
• Proven ability to safely operate forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment safely.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and incoming deliveries.
• Receive, move, stage, and store ingredients, packaging materials, finished goods, and other materials.
• Verify materials and quantities against receiving documents and identify discrepancies.
• Inspect incoming materials for damage and report issues.
• Maintain safe and organized receiving, staging, and storage areas.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

#ComeJoinTheFun with us as our 3rd Shift Forklift Operator and be part of #MakingCandyFun! At R.M. Palmer Company, our mission is clear: driving innovation that celebrates life’s special moments by focusing on value and integrity while making candy fun in everything we do. We take pride in blending creativity and tradition to deliver products that spark joy, bring smiles, and create lasting memories, one candy at a time.

Since 1948, R.M. Palmer Company, LLC has grown from just 4 employees and 4 products into a leading manufacturer of imaginative chocolate novelties with more than 500 unique products and over 600 full-time employees. Today, we operate two manufacturing facilities and a distribution center the size of 11 football fields, producing more than 50 million pounds of product each year.

Our continued success is built on the people and values that drive us every day. We believe in getting it done with urgency, ownership, and accountability. We challenge ourselves to break it better through innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement. We own the outcome by taking responsibility and acting in the best interest of our team, customers, and company. We play to win by focusing on results and striving for excellence in everything we do. Most importantly, we aim to leave them smiling by bringing positivity, teamwork, passion, and energy to every interaction.

If you are ready to grow your career in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment where accountability, innovation, and collaboration are valued, we encourage you to apply and become part of the R.M. Palmer team.

Job responsibilities

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, unloading, staging, and storage of incoming materials within the facility. This position operates forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment to support Receiving, Warehouse, and Production operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Receiving & Material Handling

• Safely operate forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and incoming deliveries.
• Receive, move, stage, and store ingredients, packaging materials, finished goods, and other materials in designated locations.
• Verify materials and quantities against receiving documentation and identify discrepancies.
• Inspect incoming materials for visible damage, shortages, or quality concerns and promptly report issues.
• Properly position, stack, and store materials to maximize warehouse space while maintaining safe access and product integrity.
• Transport materials from Receiving and warehouse storage locations to Production and other designated areas as needed.
• Move pallets and materials between warehouse, staging, storage, and production areas to support operational requirements.

Inventory & Documentation

• Accurately record material movements, receipts, locations, and other required inventory transactions.
• Maintain accurate inventory and activity records using applicable warehouse, inventory, or computer systems.
• Follow established procedures for material identification, labeling, storage, rotation, and traceability.
• Assist with inventory counts and reconciliation activities as required.
• Communicate material shortages, discrepancies, damaged product, or other receiving issues to appropriate personnel.

Equipment & Safety

• Complete required pre-use inspections of forklifts and material-handling equipment.
• Identify and report equipment damage, mechanical concerns, or unsafe operating conditions.
• Operate equipment in accordance with company safety procedures and applicable forklift safety requirements.
• Follow established traffic patterns, pedestrian safety practices, load limits, and material-stacking requirements.
• Maintain clean, organized, and obstruction-free receiving, staging, and storage areas.
• Follow all company safety, GMP, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• Immediately report safety hazards, product damage, spills, or other conditions that could impact employees, equipment, or product.
• Perform other Receiving and Warehouse duties as assigned to support business and production needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of forklift, receiving, shipping, warehouse, distribution, or material-handling experience preferred.
• Proven ability to safely operate forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other applicable material-handling equipment.
• Must successfully complete company-required powered industrial truck/forklift training and authorization.
• Working knowledge of receiving, material handling, staging, storage, and inventory practices.
• Ability to safely load and unload trucks and maneuver equipment in warehouse aisles, loading areas, production environments, and other congested spaces.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately identify materials, quantities, locations, damages, shortages, and inventory discrepancies.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn warehouse and inventory management systems.
• Ability to read and understand receiving documents, material labels, inventory information, and safety instructions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to efficiently stage and store materials while maintaining a safe and orderly work environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with Receiving, Warehouse, Production, Quality, and other departments.