Forklift Operator 1st Shift

Crown Bakeries; Smyrna (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Crown Bakeries is seeking a dedicated Forklift Operator to ensure safe, efficient operation of forklifts and other powered equipment in our shipping and production facility. You will load, unload, and stage shipments and verify counts against shipping documents.

You will perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections, maintain clean dock areas, train new Shipping Associates on dock procedures, and communicate with the Shipping Supervisor and carrier drivers to resolve issues.

Qualifications

• Safely operate sit-down counterbalance forklifts and other powered industrial equipment.
• Adhere to safety policies and OSHA regulations while handling shipments.
• Communicate effectively with shipping staff and carriers.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts to load, unload, and stage shipments.
• Load outbound trailers according to bills of lading and shipping plans.
• Verify counts, lot codes, and labels against shipping documents; report discrepancies.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections of equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of dock and staging areas.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, and food safety policies at all times.
• Coordinate with Shipping Supervisor and drivers to resolve issues.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Communication with shipping team

Tools

Pallet jacks

Forklift equipment

Job description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forklifts and other powered industrial equipment to support the loading, unloading, and staging of inbound and outbound shipments within Crown Bakeries' shipping and production facility. The Forklift Operator plays a key role in ensuring product is accurately staged, loaded, and moved in compliance with food safety, GMP, and workplace safety standards. All duties are carried out in alignment with Crown Bakeries' Vision, Mission, and Values.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate sit-down counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and other powered industrial equipment to load, unload, and stage inbound and outbound shipments in compliance with all safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Load outbound trailers accurately and efficiently according to BOLs, load plans, and Shipping
• Supervisor direction; ensure product counts match shipping documentation before trailer departure.
• Unload inbound deliveries of raw materials, packaging, and supplies; transport materials to designated storage areas in accordance with FIFO rotation and Materials Manager direction.
• Stage finished goods for outbound shipment in designated dock areas; ensure product is properly organized, labeled, and ready for loading according to the shipping schedule.
• Verify product quantities, lot codes, and labels against BOLs and shipping documents during loading and unloading; report any discrepancies, damages, or shortages to the Shipping Supervisor immediately.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift forklift inspections; complete all required inspection checklists and report any equipment defects, damage, or safety concerns to the Shipping Supervisor immediately.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of all dock areas, staging areas, and equipment operating zones; ensure aisles and dock doors are clear and accessible at all times.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, Food Defense, HACCP, and quality policies at all times; report any food safety or quality concerns to the Shipping Supervisor immediately.
• Comply with all OSHA forklift regulations and company safety policies including speed limits, pedestrian right-of-way, load capacity limits, and PPE requirements.
• Communicate effectively with the Shipping Supervisor, Shipping Clerks, and carrier drivers regarding shipment status, staging needs, and any loading or unloading issues.
• Assist with inventory counts and cycle count activities in the shipping area as directed by the Shipping Supervisor.
• Support the shipping team with general warehouse and shipping labor tasks as needed, including palletizing, wrapping, and labeling product.
• Assist with the onboarding and training of new Shipping Associates on forklift safety and dock procedures as directed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Shipping Supervisor or Manager.

Qualifications And Skill

• Safely operate sit-down counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and other powered industrial equipment to load, unload, and stage inbound and outbound shipments in compliance with all safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Load outbound trailers accurately and efficiently according to BOLs, load plans, and Shipping Supervisor direction; ensure product counts match shipping documentation before trailer departure.
• Unload inbound deliveries of raw materials, packaging, and supplies; transport materials to designated storage areas in accordance with FIFO rotation and Materials Manager direction.
• Stage finished goods for outbound shipment in designated dock areas; ensure product is properly organized, labeled, and ready for loading according to the shipping schedule.
• Verify product quantities, lot codes, and labels against BOLs and shipping documents during loading and unloading; report any discrepancies, damages, or shortages to the Shipping Supervisor immediately.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift forklift inspections; complete all required inspection checklists and report any equipment defects, damage, or safety concerns to the Shipping Supervisor immediately.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of all dock areas, staging areas, and equipment operating zones; ensure aisles and dock doors are clear and accessible at all times.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, Food Defense, HACCP, and quality policies at all times; report any food safety or quality concerns to the Shipping Supervisor immediately.
• Comply with all OSHA forklift regulations and company safety policies including speed limits, pedestrian right-of-way, load capacity limits, and PPE requirements.
• Communicate effectively with the Shipping Supervisor, Shipping Clerks, and carrier drivers regarding shipment status, staging needs, and any loading or unloading issues.
• Assist with inventory counts and cycle count activities in the shipping area as directed by the Shipping Supervisor.
• Support the shipping team with general warehouse and shipping labor tasks as needed, including palletizing, wrapping, and labeling product.
• Assist with the onboarding and training of new Shipping Associates on forklift safety and dock procedures as directed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Shipping Supervisor or Manager.

Work Environment

This job operates in a production plant, shipping area and office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to facility elements such as noise, dust, fumes, and odors. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

EEO Statement

Crown Bakeries is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any such discrimination or harassment in our workplace and strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. This EEO policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.