Forklift Operator

Americold Logistics, LLC.; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Americold in New Jersey is seeking a Forklift Operator to safely receive, store, and ship food products using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach units, and RF scanners.

The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and timely order fulfillment, with opportunities for overtime and weekend shifts. Candidates should have a high school diploma (GED preferred) and be able to lift up to 80 lbs and work in cold environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Three months of related work experience preferred.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight safely using appropriate equipment to move products to storage.
• Stack, store, pick and assemble orders, check freight for damage and labeling accuracy.
• Operate equipment in compliance with OSHA standards and maintain a clean, safe work environment.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Overtime flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

RF scanners

Pallet jacks

Sit-down forklifts

Stand-up forklifts

Job description

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.

What You'll Do

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.

Essential Functions

• 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

• Able to work in spaces with 55 inches (1.4 meters) of headroom.
• Able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) to minus 45 (-45) degrees Fahrenheit (-43 degrees Celsius), as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Able to climb ladders or step ladders.
• Able to tolerate heights up to 30 ft. (9 meters) and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment required for working at heights and in cold temperatures.
• Able to stand and/or walk continuously or frequently over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Able to frequently step up/on or step down/off to mount and dismount material handling equipment.
• Able to perform fine articulation movements with fingers/hands and/or feet to operate equipment.
• Depending on specific role, must be able to lift boxes of varying weights up 80 lbs. (36 kg) and carry product a distance of up to 6 ft. (2 meters) without mechanical assistance.
• Able to meet specific vision abilities required by this job, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Able to hear and speak in order to comprehend, respond to, and provide instructions and safety warnings, as well as able to read and understand packaging, shipping documents, and safety guidelines.

The company's good faith and reasonable estimate of range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is 22.50 hourly.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V.

What We Offer

At Americold, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and future. Our associates know what’s in it for them – opportunity, purpose and a values-driven culture. When you join Americold, you become part of a mission to help our customers feed the world.

U.S. Only: Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with Company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).