Cooler Forklift Operator

Tanimura & Antle; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Tanimura & Antle is seeking a Cooler Forklift Operator in Salinas, CA to manage the loading and unloading of products in a cold storage environment. Responsibilities include ensuring proper product rotation, compliance with safety guidelines, and maintaining a clean work area.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, valid forklift certification, and the ability to work in cold conditions. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have valid forklift operator certification and be able to operate various types of forklifts.
• Ability to work in cold temperatures for extended periods and lift heavy items.
• Effective communication skills to interact with other employees.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials and products to and from transport trucks.
• Maintain a clean and damage-free cold storage area.
• Monitor pulp temperatures of incoming products to track cooling requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to follow safety guidelines

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Job description

The Role

The Cooler Forklift Operator consolidates products on sales orders, warehouses, and rotates all products, and performs the actual loading and unloading of these products as required. Must be able to perform the Cauliflower cooling room process.

Location(s)

• Salinas, CA
• Huron, CA
• Yuma, AZ

Areas Of Responsibility

• Receive incoming product, ensuring it is clearly and legibly marked with a day sticker, date, and product type.
• Load and unload materials and products to and from transport trucks, pallets, skids, or lifting devices.
• Lift and stack produce boxes weighing up to 60 lbs.
• Assist in storing product for shipment, including bagging, strapping, repacking, restickering, and palletizing as needed.
• Organize and rotate cold room inventory to ensure first-in, first-out (FIFO) shipping.
• Maintain a clean and damage-free cold storage area.
• Monitor and record pulp temperatures of incoming products (e.g., cauliflower) to track cooling requirements.
• Manage cooling room operations, including periodic temperature checks and ensuring proper product rotation post-cooling.
• Hand-stack product when necessary.
• Ensure the safe operation of all equipment and report any damage to equipment, facilities, or product immediately.
• Use company-provided protective clothing and equipment when required.
• Assist with facility cleanup when necessary.
• Familiarize and comply with cold room operational procedures and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Weigh materials or products and accurately record weights on tags, labels, or production schedules.
• Check in with the supervisor at the end of each shift and follow rotating work schedules.
• May be required to travel to various locations to maintain annual employee status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Experience: One to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Language: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with other employees.
• Certification: Valid forklift operator certification. Must be able to operate a squeeze, single, or double pallet forklift.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work in cold temperatures for extended periods and lift heavy items.
• Skills: Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety guidelines.
• Work Ethic: Strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.