Forklift Operator

Americold Logistics LLC; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 22,041 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

Americold Logistics LLC is seeking a Forklift Operator to ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products. You will use sit‑down and stand‑up forklifts, high‑reach forklifts, stand‑up straddle trucks, walk‑behind units, pallet jacks, RF scanners, and related equipment to move products efficiently.

Requires a high school diploma or GED and 3 months of related experience; ability to work Monday‑Friday 7am‑3:30pm; OSHA safety adherence is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout the 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 units, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners—in a manner that promotes safety.
• 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.

Skills

RF scanners

Attention to detail

Safety consciousness

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Sit-down forklifts

Stand-up forklifts

High-reach forklifts

Radio frequency equipment

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‑behind units, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks, and radio frequency equipment.

Shifts

Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm

What You’ll Do

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout the 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 units, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners—in a manner that promotes safety.
• 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

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or 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 work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Must tolerate a working environment with controlled temperatures ranging from 32°F to minus 45°F, 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 a 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, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must lift boxes of varying weights from 10 lbs. up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 80 in. in height and up 70 lbs. to 50 in. in height rebuilding pallets without assistance. Must lift and carry product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.
• Wear clothing, boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.
• Required vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards and requirements.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW.