Distribution Warehouse Forklift Operator

PetSmart; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid weekly

Health & Wellness Benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Tuition assistance

Pay for performance

Referral bonus

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

Associate discounts

Paid time off

Career development

Development opportunities

Job summary

A leading pet supply retailer is seeking a Distribution Forklift Operator to join their energetic team. Responsibilities include operating reach trucks and consolidating products in a warehouse environment. The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and a passion for pets. This full-time role offers competitive pay, weekly payments, and multiple shift options. Join our team to make a difference in the lives of pets and their families!

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for pets and a desire for a fulfilling career.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to respond to standard instructions effectively.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up reach truck for warehouse tasks.
• Consolidate pallets at active locations as necessary.
• Resolve routine and non-routine problems with guidance.

Skills

Passion for pets and people

Ability to operate powered industrial equipment

Physical strength for lifting up to 50 pounds

Basic instruction application

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Reach truck

Dock stocker

Dock stocker

Push carts

Job description

About Life At PetSmart

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.

Our Distribution Centers are hiring full‑time associates for a variety of shifts. PetSmart offers four 10‑hour weekday shifts, or three 12‑hour weekend shifts. Shifts vary by location and may include shift differential pay. Below is an example of shifts within the Distribution Center:

• Morning Shift: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 am – 3:30 pm
• Afternoon/Overnight Shift: Monday – Thursday, 4:00 pm – 2:30 am
• Weekend Shift: Friday – Sunday, 5:00 am – 5:30 pm

Benefits That Benefit You

• Paid weekly
• 3- and 4‑day work weeks
• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Shift Differentials
• Pay for Performance
• Referral bonus
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Tuition assistance
• Associate discounts
• Paid time off
• Career pathing
• Development opportunities

Learn More, Earn More!

Here at PetSmart, we put YOU in charge of your paycheck and career! We’re proud to foster a goal‑driven environment where your hard work and results are recognized and rewarded.

• Step increases: We value your continued growth and development and offer 6 pay increases for your first 24 months!
• Pay‑for‑performance program: Earn up to $4.00 MORE PER HOUR when exceeding productivity goals
• Team bonus multiplier – when the DC does well, you do well, too!
• Pay increases with promotions
• Recommend your friends and family and earn up to $2,000 & 4 paid discretionary days for additional time off as part of our Associate Referral Bonus Program

The impact you’ll make

As a Distribution Forklift Operator (Reach Truck Driver), you will be part of an energetic team environment with the opportunity to work in various positions in our warehouse. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Operate stand‑up reach truck to replenish pallets or product from assigned reserve locations to primary pick locations or assigned dock lanes
• Consolidate pallets at active locations as needed (FIN – Fork Interleaving used)
• Resolve routine problems; seek guidance on solving non‑routine problems

What We Are Looking For

• Passion for pets and people and the desire to grow a fulfilling career
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Apply basic instructions and procedures and respond to standard requests which may be written, oral, by headset or walkie talkie
• Ability to bend, twist, stretch, push, pull and carry and lift up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable alternating between standing, sitting and/or walking for an entire shift which is typically 10–12 hours
• Willing and able to operate powered industrial and mechanical equipment including but not limited to reach truck, stand‑ups, dock stocker and push carts (proper training and safety standards are provided)
• Work in various temperatures and noise levels

Do What You Love

We are delighted you are interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We are excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!

PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.

• This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for.

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into. Exact rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. This position is paid on a per hour basis. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law).

The employer will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law.