Cooler Forklift Operator

taproduce; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

taproduce is seeking a Cooler Forklift Operator in Salinas, CA to consolidate products on sales orders, rotate cold room inventory, and manage loading and unloading of goods. The role requires lifting up to 60 lbs and maintaining safety protocols.

Responsibilities include receiving labeled products, organizing the cold storage area, documenting weights, and following shift rotations. Valid forklift certification is required and work is performed in cold conditions across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating manuals, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers.
• Must be able to lift heavy items and work in cold temperatures.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming product with day sticker, date, and product type.
• Load and unload materials to/from trucks, pallets, or skids.
• Lift and stack boxes up to 60 lbs.
• Store product for shipment, including bagging, strapping, repacking, and palletizing.
• Rotate cold room inventory to maintain FIFO shipping.
• Maintain a clean, damage-free cold storage area.
• Monitor temperatures of incoming products and cooling requirements.
• Operate cooling room equipment and report damages.
• Weigh materials and record weights on tags or schedules.
• Follow rotating shift schedules and report to supervisor.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety adherence

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Job description

The Role: The Cooler Forklift Operator c 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.