Forklift Operator

Compass Minerals; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Minerals is seeking a reliable Forklift Operator to join our production team in Buffalo. The role involves transporting materials, operating packaging equipment, and ensuring safe handling of salt products.

You will support production goals by maintaining equipment, performing quality checks, and keeping work areas clean and organized. Responsibilities include inspecting packaging machinery, recording checks, and assisting other operators as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Forklift operation experience preferred.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Inspect packaging machinery at the start of each production run.
• Operate forklift to receive materials, move finished goods, and load trucks.
• Monitor production output for quality and correct weights.
• Record checks and complete production paperwork daily.
• Support housekeeping and CIP (Continuous Improvement Program) activities.

Skills

Forklift operation

Quality checks

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Packaging machinery operation

Inventory/receiving processes

Job description

We invite you to Explore the Potential of being part of something Clearly Essential! Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) is a leading global provider of essential minerals focused on safely delivering where and when it matters to help solve nature’s challenges for customers and communities. The company’s salt products help keep roadways safe during winter weather and are used in numerous other consumer, industrial, chemical and agricultural applications. Its plant nutrition products help improve the quality and yield of crops while supporting sustainable agriculture. Compass Minerals operates 12 production and packaging facilities with more than 1,800 employees throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Visit compassminerals.com for more information about the company and its products.

Summary

Compass Minerals is seeking a reliable and safety-conscious Forklift Operator to join our production team. In this role, you will be responsible for transporting materials, operating packaging and robotic equipment, and ensuring the efficient and safe handling of salt products. You will also support production goals by maintaining equipment, performing quality checks, and keeping work areas clean and organized.

Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Inspect Packaging machinery at beginning of production run.
• Support production and housekeeping efforts of other Operators.
• Follow production schedule.
• Monitor production output to ensure quality and appropriate weight.
• Monitor Packaging machinery for proper function and immediately report problems to Maintenance or Shift Supervisor.
• Perform duties of Forklift Operator, Pallet Stretch Wrapper, and Bagger as required.
• Operate forklift for receipt of materials, place finished goods into inventory, and loading trucks.
• Rework non-conforming stock including rewrapping and re-palletizing finished goods.
• Monitor Packaging area for cleanliness and perform housekeeping in all areas in the plant as required.
• Assist other Operators to make sure packaging area is set up for the next shift.
• Record checks performed, weights and amount of materials used.
• Accurately complete production paperwork and equipment checklists daily.
• Participate in CIP (Continuous Improvement Program)
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A high school diploma or GED is required.

Physical Demands

• Stand for long periods of time during production run.
• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, climbing ladders and stairs.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and move item short distances.
• Sit for extended periods while operating forklift.

Compass Minerals is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are firmly committed to making all employment-related decisions without regard to race, ancestry, ethnicity, color, religious creed or belief, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy and breastfeeding), age, military or veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law. Learn more about equal employment opportunity laws atdol.gov. June 2025