Forklift Operator

ofi; Shafter (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time from Day 1

Paid Sick Leave

Company Paid Holidays

401K Match on Day 1

Career Growth and Learning

Job summary

ofi is a global leader in food and beverage ingredients and solutions. The Forklift Operator role requires on-site presence at our facility, transporting materials and goods with strong attention to safety and quality.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates well, and supports warehouse operations with teamwork and reliability. Minimums include a high school diploma or GED, potential forklift certification within 30 days, and ability to lift 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid sit-down forklift certification within 30 days of hire.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment is preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Basic math, reading production schedules, and safety training (GMP, Food Safety).
• Adaptable to overtime and weekend schedules.

Responsibilities

• Locate, pull and transport bins, pallets of finished product, packaging supplies, and equipment.
• Perform daily forklift inspections and maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Move raw and finished goods to workstations and pre-stage areas.
• Shrink-wrap pallets for shipping and verify incoming supplies against manifests.
• Monitor packaging materials and report shortages; maintain safety compliance.

Skills

Forklift operation

Experience in fast-paced env

Bilingual English/Spanish

Lifting 50 lbs

Math skills

Production scheduling

Teamwork

Flexible schedule

Outdoor/indoor work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

With deep roots in origin countries and close relationships with farmers, we help deliver quality, traceability, transparency, and resilient supply chains. By combining sourcing expertise, market knowledge, innovation, and technical capabilities, we create value for customers while driving positive impact for people and the planet.

Together, ofi employees advance our Purpose: to be the change for good food and a healthy future.

Position Summary

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues – employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

Reporting to the Warehouse Supervisor, the Forklift Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently transporting materials, finished goods, and supplies throughout the facility. This role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to established safety and quality standards, and the ability to support operational needs in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, and attentive to detail. They thrive in a fast-paced setting, communicate effectively, and take initiative to support warehouse operations. They demonstrate strong teamwork, reliability, and a commitment to food safety and quality.

What You’ll Do - Position Responsibilities

• Locate, pull and transport full or empty bins, pallets of finished product, packaging supplies, and/or equipment to designated areas.
• Perform daily preventative maintenance and forklift inspections on assigned equipment.
• Transport raw and finished goods to workstations.
• Move product to and from pre-stage areas.
• Shrink-wrap pallets to prepare for shipping.
• Verify and count incoming supplies and materials against manifests.
• Monitor packaging supplies and raw materials; notify office staff potential shortages.
• Maintain full certification in all required power lift unit safety training.
• Complete and maintain certified forklift safety training.
• Follow all established company safety programs, policies, and SOPs.
• Understand and follow all quality, safety, and environmental requirements, including food safety, legality, and product integrity.
• Participate in company committees, including the Safety Committee.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and cooperation.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements

• High school diploma or state-issued equivalency certificate.
• Ability to obtain a valid sit-down forklift certification within 30 days of hire.
• Previous work experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to frequently lift to fifty (50) pounds.
• Previous knowledge of the following programs and regulations pertaining to a food processing plant is preferred:
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's)
• Food Safety
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to read and interpret a production schedule on a computer.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate a forklift.
• Ability to work well under pressure with competing demands in a team environment.
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime and weekends.
• Able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!

The pay for this role ranges from $19.00-$27.00/hr annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees.

Additional Perks That Make a Difference

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.
• Paid Sick Leave – Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi.
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments.
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.