Forklift Operator

Ventura Foods; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-cost medical & dental benefits

Employee appreciation programs

Competitive starting hourly rate

Job summary

Ventura Foods is seeking a Forklift Operator to safely operate powered trucks to load, unload, and move materials and finished goods within a warehouse. You will use an RF scanner to ensure accurate movements and adhere to GMPs and FSMA requirements.

Preferred candidates will have a High School Diploma or GED and at least 1 year in a warehouse setting, with a valid forklift license and ability to pass both skills and written tests. This role is onsite with typical 8–12 hour shifts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience in a warehouse/distribution environment preferred.
• Forklift driver license and ability to pass skills/written tests required.

Responsibilities

• Operate the RF handheld scanner.
• Verify carrier and pallet quantity before loading; inspect pallets and trailers for damage and GMP compliance.
• Unload packaging and transfer products; complete load sheets; verify codes and labels for allergens.
• Perform pre-op forklift inspection; manage batteries per SOPs.
• Ensure assigned warehouse aisles are clean and well maintained.
• Operate pallet inverter/changer and stretch wrap machine as needed.
• Put away pallets from production lines or receiving dock.
• Adhere to all food safety policies, GMPs, FSMA, and preventive controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift operation

Math skills

Communication skills

Food safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Employment Type: Hourly
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Shift: Second

Position Summary:

The Forklift Operator will properly operate powered industrial trucks to load and unload materials and FGs and to move them to and from storage areas. Products will be listed and stacked as required. Use RF scanner to ensure accurate transactions of product movement.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate the RF hand held scanner
• Using load sheet, verify carrier and pallet quantity before loading on truck trailer. Inspect pallets to prevent product damage and missing cases. Inspect all trailers to ensure cleanliness and compliance with GMPs
• Unload packaging and branch transfer products from trailers. Complete load sheet. Verify code dates and label allergen
• Perform pre-op inspection of forklift before operation. Change, inspect and charge batteries per standard operating procedures (SOPs) and document changes
• Check assigned aisles in warehouse to ensure they are clean and well maintained
• Operate the pallet inverter or pallet changer when necessary
• Operate stretch wrap machine when necessary
• Put away pallets of FG from production lines or receiving dock
• Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED
• 1 year of experience
• Warehouse distribution environment experience preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Previously licensed/certified as a forklift driver and must be able to pass skills test for license/certification as well as written test for sit down and stand up forklift
• Good math skills are required
• Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively
• Must be able to identify and report any food safety and food security concerns

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:

• Zero Employee cost for Full Medical & Dental Benefits w/ Kaiser Permanente after successful completion of probationary period (for eligible employees).
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs
• Hourly starting rate of $23.19-$24.24 per hour and eligibility for hourly rate increases every 6 months to get to $33.13-$34.63 per hour by year 2. Blender positions are eligible for an additional $0.50/hr.

Physical Demands:

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical Shifts:

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Our Culture:

Our Culture reflects our commitment to treating every employee with respect and creating an environment where people can do their best work. We rely on a variety of strengths, backgrounds, and experiences across our teams to help us innovate, grow, and deliver for our customers. By fostering a workplace that is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in integrity, we continue to attract strong talent and meet the high expectations of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ventura Foods may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tools at certain stages of our hiring process, including identifying & sourcing candidates, reviewing applications and matched candidates on job boards and websites, and generating screening questions to help us work more efficiently and consistently. We regularly review our tools to promote fairness and reduce the risk of bias. However, while these tools support our process, every hiring decision is made by a real person on our team. Applicants in the State of New York may request an alternative process by contacting us at [e-mail] .