Forklift Operator

Americold; Kentucky; On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Americold is seeking a Forklift Operator in Kentucky to safely receive, store, and ship food products using a range of forklifts and RF equipment. You will load/unload freight, stack merchandise, and ensure accurate inventory while maintaining safety and efficiency.

The role requires the ability to meet production standards in a cold or variable-temperature environment, with potential overtime and weekend work as needed. Bring a strong safety mindset and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Three months of related work experience preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 55 lbs. and work in cold environments.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently load and unload freight using proper equipment.
• Stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check for accuracy and damage.
• Operate equipment in compliance with OSHA standards to promote safety.
• Meet production standards while maintaining a clean, orderly environment.
• Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Inventory accuracy

Overtime flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

RF Scanners

Sit-down Forklifts

Stand-up Forklifts

Pallet Jacks

Job description

Primary Responsibility

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, 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 behinds, 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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions for this position and meet the physical requirements needed to perform them, including but not limited to frequently requiring the ability to drive a forklift, sit, hear, or talk, use close vision, use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, and type and manipulate controls. Employees are occasionally required to use distance vision, stand, kneel, or crouch. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. While performing the essential functions of this job, the associate:

• Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Must be able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from32 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.

Work Environment

The Company's good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $22.55 hourly. Rate may vary based on work location.

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

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

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.