Forklift Operator

Americold Logistics, LLC.; Belvidere (IL); On-site; USD 27,265 - 38,832; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with Company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Join Americold Logistics, LLC. as a Forklift Operator in Belvidere, IL. You will ensure the safe receipt and shipment of food products while operating various forklifts and handling merchandise.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of three months of related experience. Americold offers competitive compensation starting at $23.99/hour and a range of benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Be part of a mission to help customers feed the world in a values-driven culture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment.
• Stack and store merchandise and pick and assemble orders for shipment.
• Operate equipment in a manner that promotes safety while complying with OSHA standards.
• Meet production standards while maintaining a clean work environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Operational knowledge of forklifts

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Sit down forklifts

High-reach forklifts

RF scanners

Pallet jacks

Job description

Join the Cold Chain That Feeds the World.

For over 120 years, Americold has connected producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and accessible. With 240+ facilities across four continents and 14,000+ team members, we’re a global leader in temperature‑controlled logistics. Our mission is to help our customers feed the world – and we’re looking for people who share that purpose. We value customer service, innovation, and inclusion, and we invest in our people’s growth and well‑being. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a company that puts people first, Americold is the place for you.

Primary Responsibility

• Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including sit down and stand‑up forklifts, high‑reach forklifts, stand‑up straddle trucks, walk‑behind forklifts, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility.
• Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
• In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand‑up forklifts, high‑reach forklifts, stand‑up straddle trucks, walk‑behind forklifts, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety.
• Must be able to meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.

What Experience and Education You Need

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.

What Could Set You Apart

• An ability to work independently.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned, and the ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Must be able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Must tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
• May stand to rebuild pallets with products. Requires tolerance of standing posture up to 5 hours, over an 8‑10‑12 hour shift. Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must be able lift boxes of varying weights from 10 lbs. up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 80 inches in height and up 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height rebuilding pallets without assistance. Must be able to lift and carry product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.
• Wear clothing, boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards/requirements.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Company makes reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.

Compensation: The Company’s good‑faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is min $23.99 hourly. Performance‑based incentives are part of the overall compensation package. Rate may vary based on work location.

Benefits

At Americold, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer benefits designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and future. Our associates know what’s in it for them – opportunity, purpose and a values‑driven culture. When you join Americold, you become part of a mission to help our customers feed the world.

U.S. Only: Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with Company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws.

EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW.

Job Location: 6765 Imron Dr, Belvidere, IL