Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

schwans; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Friday pay

Paid time off (2 weeks) first year

7 holidays + 2 personal days

401(k) with company match up to 4%

Disability plans

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Caregiving support

Job summary

Schwan's is hiring for a full-time warehouse associate in Erie, operating forklifts and handling palletized products in a cold environment. You will pick, stage, and move goods to support on-time trailer loading, while maintaining safety and inventory accuracy.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 0–1 year of related experience, and the ability to work in freezing conditions. Training in WMS/SAP is beneficial, with extensive benefits and a 401(k) match offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 0–1 year of related experience preferred.
• Forklift certification or equivalent cart driver training preferred.
• Ability to work in cold/freezing temperatures (around 30 degrees).
• Familiarity with Warehouse Management System (WMS) and SAP advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts and lift equipment per OSHA and company safety standards.
• Pick and stage pallets to Forward Pick areas to support trailer loading and distribution.
• Maintain smooth product flow and complete material movements within set timeframes.
• Perform regular equipment checks and report malfunctions or safety issues promptly.
• Assist with periodic inventory counts and keep storage areas organized per Good Warehouse Practices (GWP).

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Data entry/documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

WMS

SAP

Job description

Starting Pay: $18.50 per hour

Shift: 1st

Hours: Between 6:00am - 5:00pm

What We Offer:

• Weekly Friday pay
• Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off your first year
• 7 paid holidays and 2 personal days each year
• Comprehensive Benefit Package, including:
  • 3 Health Plans
  • 2 Dental Plans
  • 2 Vision Plans
  • Immediately vesting 401k with up to 4% Company Match
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Plans
  • Numerous company-paid benefits, including, financial planning, employee assistance program, life insurance, virtual physical therapy assistance, and caregiving support

If you are interested in joining a growing company with popular retail brands such as Red Baron®, Tony's®, and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts; bibigo® and Pagoda® Asian-style snacks, this role is for you. This is a full-time position in a food manufacturing environment with opportunities for advancement!

What You Will Do:

• Safely operate forklifts and lift equipment to receive, store, and transport palletized products in compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
• Efficiently pick and stage pallets from storage racks to designated Forward Pick (FWP) areas to support timely trailer loading and distribution.
• Maintain smooth product flow by ensuring all material movements are completed accurately and within established timeframes.
• Perform regular equipment checks, promptly reporting any malfunctions or safety issues to supervisors to minimize downtime.
• Support inventory control by assisting with periodic counts and maintaining organized storage areas following Good Warehouse Practices (GWP).

What You Will Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of 0 to 1 year of related experience.
• Ability to operate clean-up brooms, plastic compactors, forklifts, and carts.
• Ability to gain and maintain required forklift certification, license and/or satisfactory completion of cart driver training.
• Ability to key product/move data into terminals daily and work in cold/freezing temperatures of 30 degrees.
• Ability to understand/use WMS (Warehouse Management System) and eventually understand/utilize SAP (Systems Applications Products in Data Processing).

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [e-mail].