Forklift Operator

Del Monte Corporation; Plover (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Employer-paid life & disability

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company Holidays

Job summary

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. in Iowa operates a warehouse supporting multiple brands and distributes fresh produce. The Forklift Operator safely operates forklifts, aerial lifts, and other powered equipment to move goods, support inventory accuracy, and uphold safety and quality standards.

The role collaborates with warehouse, inventory control, production, and maintenance teams. Seasonal shifts may apply, and personnel must lift and move materials while standing for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate forklifts and powered industrial equipment.
• Basic math skills and ability to verify product counts and documentation.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in product handling and shipping processes.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts, clamp trucks, push-pull equipment, and other powered industrial equipment.
• Move, stack, load, and unload finished goods, materials, and supplies within the warehouse and shipping areas.
• Inspect, prepare, load, secure, and release outbound shipments while maintaining product quality standards.
• Maintain knowledge of stock locations, product codes, can markings, and warehouse layout.
• Support timely shipment of finished goods to meet customer and operational requirements.

Skills

Forklift operation

Inventory awareness

Shipping/receiving

Safety

Teamwork

Warehouse systems

Tools

Warehouse management system

Job description

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables under our Fresh and Foods divisions. Our diverse product portfolio proudly bears the Del Monte® brand and also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts—available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

Benefits We Offer Include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life & disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 7 Company Paid Holidays
• 24/7 Telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program
• Optional voluntary benefits (legal, accident, identity protection)
• Eligibility on the first of the month following your hire date

Purpose of Position:

Del Monte Foods is the Foods Division of Fresh Del Monte, a global grower, producer and marketer of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable produce. Del Monte Foods has a powerful portfolio of brands, including the iconic Del Monte®, Contadina® and S&W®. We are currently seeking Forklift Operators. Forklift Operators are responsible for safely operating forklifts, aerial lifts, and other powered industrial equipment to support warehouse operations, inventory control, product storage, and material movement activities. This role supports the movement of finished goods, packaging materials, ingredients, and supplies in a manner that maintains safety, quality, productivity, and inventory accuracy.

The Forklift Operator works closely with warehouse employees, inventory control, production, and maintenance teams to maintain organized storage areas, support product flow, and maintain warehouse readiness throughout the facility. This position may work any shift depending on seasonal production schedules and warehouse needs.

Accountabilities:

Forklift and Equipment Operation

• Safely operate forklifts, clamp trucks, push-pull equipment, and other powered industrial equipment.
• Move, stack, load, and unload finished goods, materials, and supplies within the warehouse and shipping areas.
• Position lifting devices under, over, or around pallets, skids, and product to transport materials safely.
• Stack and unstack pallets and product units up to required heights while maintaining stability and product integrity.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required maintenance checks including battery charging and fuel replacement.

Shipping and Loading Operations

• Load trucks, rail cars, and other transport vehicles according to shipping requirements and schedules.
• Inspect, prepare, load, secure, and release outbound shipments while maintaining product quality standards.
• Verify shipping documentation, product identification, and load accuracy prior to shipment.
• Maintain knowledge of stock locations, product codes, can markings, and warehouse layout.
• Support timely shipment of finished goods to meet customer and operational requirements.

Inventory and Product Handling

• Maintain accurate inventory movement through proper use of warehouse systems and documentation.
• Supply materials to warehouse and shipping teams as needed.
• Support inventory accuracy by properly placing and tracking product within designated locations.
• Identify and report discrepancies, damaged product, or inventory concerns.

Operational Support

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas within the warehouse and shipping zones.
• Support cross-functional warehouse activities as needed to maintain workflow and productivity.
• Communicate equipment issues, operational delays, or safety concerns to leadership.
• Assist with training and support of new employees when needed.

Safety, Food Safety, and Quality

• Follow all company safety policies, GMPs, and food safety requirements.
• Operate equipment in accordance with plant safety procedures and guidelines.
• Wear required PPE and maintain awareness of surroundings including forklift traffic and loading areas.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, equipment issues, and injuries immediately.
• Maintain product integrity by minimizing handling damage and following proper loading practices.

Minimum Skills Required:

• Ability to safely operate forklifts and powered industrial equipment.
• Basic math skills and ability to verify product counts and documentation.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in product handling and shipping processes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced warehouse environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials as required.
• Ability to stand, sit, drive, climb, and move throughout the warehouse for extended periods.
• Previous forklift operation experience.
• Experience with clamp trucks, push-pull equipment, or specialized lifting equipment.
• Experience in shipping, warehouse, or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with inventory systems, scanners, or warehouse management systems.
• Experience loading trucks, rail cars, or other transport equipment.
• Knowledge of shipping documentation and product identification systems.
• Equivalent combinations of warehouse experience, forklift operation, logistics support, and manufacturing experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

*Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses.*

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts—available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values - Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity - we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.