Cold-Storage Forklift Operator, Day Shift & Full Benefits

Elite Staffing Inc; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Permanent position with full benefits

Job summary

Elite Staffing, Inc. in Elk Grove Village, IL, is hiring a Forklift Operator to safely move raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and finished goods throughout the facility.

The role requires certification or ability to obtain it, at least one year of forklift experience, and familiarity with FIFO and cold storage GMP requirements. You will inspect equipment, maintain logs, and coordinate with production and receiving teams.

Qualifications

• Valid forklift operator certification required (or ability to obtain certification upon hire - company will train).
• Minimum 1 year of forklift operating experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution environment preferred.
• Ability to read pallet labels, lot numbers, and item codes accurately.
• Understanding of FIFO inventory management principles.
• Familiarity with food safety and GMP requirements in a cold storage environment is preferred.
• Ability to count inventory.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks to move raw material, ingredient, and packaging pallets from receiving docks to designated staging or storage areas.
• Transport finished goods pallets from the palletizing area to the finished goods freezer or designated staging locations.
• Load and unload inbound and outbound trucks at the receiving and shipping docks in a safe and timely manner.
• Drive box truck to and from off-site storage multiple times per day to support production.
• Verify pallet counts, lot numbers, and item identifications when moving product; report any discrepancies to the supervisor.
• Stage raw materials for production runners at the beginning of each shift and replenish staging areas as needed throughout the day.
• Conduct pre-shift forklift inspections (OSHA-required daily checklist) and report any mechanical defects immediately; do not operate unsafe equipment.
• Maintain battery charging schedules or propane cylinder exchanges as applicable to the equipment type.
• Ensure all pallets are properly wrapped, labeled, and stored in the correct location according to FIFO principles.
• Keep warehouse aisles, dock areas, and staging zones clear of debris, empty pallets, and trip hazards.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and cycle counts as directed.
• Adhere to all facility traffic patterns, speed limits, pedestrian right-of-way rules, and forklift safety protocols at all times.
• Communicate proactively with production runners, the receiving team, and supervisors about material shortages, damaged product, or space constraints.
• Complete any required material movement logs or warehouse documentation accurately.
• Experience counting inventory.

Skills

Forklift certification

1 year experience

Read pallet labels

FIFO inventory

Food safety GMP

Job description

Elite Staffing, Inc. in Elk Grove Village, IL, is hiring a Forklift Operator to safely move raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and finished goods throughout the facility.

The role requires certification or ability to obtain it, at least one year of forklift experience, and familiarity with FIFO and cold storage GMP requirements. You will inspect equipment, maintain logs, and coordinate with production and receiving teams.