Forklift Operator

VDFCP - R.J. Van Drunen & Sons, Inc.; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Bonuses

Insurance

Tuition assistance

401(k) with company match

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Van Druden Farms is seeking team members to safely operate forklifts, use RF scanners for inventory tasks, and support shipping, receiving, and packaging operations. The role includes daily equipment checks and working in cold environments, with a culture focused on safety and continuous improvement.

Expected pay range is $20.15–$22.20 per hour, plus potential bonuses and a shift differential of $1.50/hour.

Qualifications

• Forklift certification or willingness to become certified upon hire.
• Read, write, and speak English clearly and professionally.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up and sit-down forklifts to move, load, and unload materials.
• Use RF scanners to track inventory and fulfill pick tickets accurately.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, and cycle counts; manage documentation.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.

Skills

Forklift operation

RF scanner usage

Safety standards

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

RF scanners

Job description

The Van Druden Family of Companies is growing!

Expected Pay Range: $20.15 - $22.20

Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour

Keep Operations Moving at Van Druden Farms

Your Role on the Team:

• Safely operate stand-up and sit-down forklifts to move, load, and unload materials.


• Use RF scanners to track inventory and fulfill pick tickets with accuracy.


• Transfer materials to storage, assist with shipping and receiving, and conduct cycle counts.


• Manage documentation including shipping manifests, labels, and incoming paperwork.


• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.


• Work in cold environments (including freezers) with appropriate gear and support.


• Collaborate across teams and follow all safety and procedural standards.


• Contribute to a flexible and team-oriented environment by performing other duties as needed to support production goals, safety standards, and continuous improvement.


• Support production areas including drying, freezing, grinding, sifting, boxing, and packaging.

What You Bring:

• Forklift certification or willingness to become certified upon hire


• High school diploma or equivalent


• Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly and professionally


• Strong time management, problem-solving, and communication skills


• Attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team


• Class B/CDL license is a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, climbing, and pushing equipment


• Comfortable working in varied environments (dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, or loud)


• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, and head protection

Why Van Druden Farms:

• Weekly pay + production bonuses


• Paid holidays, vacation, and training


• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance


• Tuition assistance + 401(k) with company match


• Referral bonuses + career advancement pathways

Take the wheel and help us deliver excellence.

In the Van Druden Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world’s best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly, values-driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Druden Family of Companies! Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our Company’s achievement as well.

The Van Druden Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Van Druden Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Druden Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Druden Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written and approved search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Druden Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.