Forklift Operator, Days - Cold Storage

VDFCP - R.J. Van Drunen & Sons, Inc.; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Van Druden Family of Companies is seeking a motivated warehouse professional for first-shift hours in Manteno, IL. You will operate forklifts, manage inventory, and ensure accuracy in a fast-paced warehouse and cold storage setting.

Responsibilities include using RF scanners and shipping documents to process orders, perform cycle counts, and maintain safety and organization across the facility. CDL is a plus, and English communication is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Forklift certification is required or you must be willing to obtain it upon hire.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Experience operating warehouse equipment and RF scanners or inventory processes preferred.
• Strong time management, organization, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Class B CDL driver's license is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up and sit-down forklifts to move, store, transfer, and organize materials within the warehouse and cold storage environments.
• Use RF scanners, shipping documents, pick tickets, manifests, labels, and inventory systems to accurately process and track inventory.
• Pull products for shipment, transfer materials into storage locations and support inventory accuracy through cycle counts and inventory verification activities.
• Inspect equipment and materials daily, identify issues, and promptly report concerns to leadership to maintain a safe and efficient workplace.
• Perform material handling activities while maintaining accurate documentation, counts, and inventory records.
• Support warehouse operations by following established procedures, maintaining organization, and assisting with additional warehouse duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift operation

RF scanners

Inventory systems

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

RF scanners

Inventory systems

Shipping documents

Job description

The Van Druden Family of Companies is growing! Expected Pay Range: $20.15 - $22.20 Bonus: This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics. Benefits Eligible: Yes Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

Who We Are At Van Druden Farms, we’re not just providing ingredients; we’re providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we’re striving to build a values‑aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Operate stand‑up and sit‑down forklifts to move, store, transfer, and organize materials within the warehouse and cold storage environments.
• Use RF scanners, shipping documents, pick tickets, manifests, labels, and inventory systems to accurately process and track inventory.
• Pull products for shipment, transfer materials into storage locations and support inventory accuracy through cycle counts and inventory verification activities.
• Inspect equipment and materials daily, identify issues, and promptly report concerns to leadership to maintain a safe and efficient workplace.
• Perform material handling activities while maintaining accurate documentation, counts, and inventory records.
• Support warehouse operations by following established procedures, maintaining organization, and assisting with additional warehouse duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Forklift certification required or willingness to become certified upon hire.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Experience operating warehouse equipment and working with RF scanners, inventory processes, or shipping documentation preferred.
• Strong time management, organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Class B/CDL driver's license is a plus.

What You Can Look Forward To

• A full‑time first shift schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• A fast‑paced warehouse environment where your work directly supports inventory accuracy and customer satisfaction.
• Opportunities to develop skills in inventory management, logistics, material handling, and warehouse operations.
• A collaborative team environment focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Hands‑on experience operating material handling equipment and supporting shipping, receiving, and storage functions.
• A role that provides exposure to warehouse processes critical to supporting production and customer fulfillment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday.
• Regular lifting, handling, and movement of boxes, bags, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling of materials and equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing, eye, head, and respiratory protection as required.
• Ability to work for extended periods in freezer and cold storage environments.
• Ability to work in dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, loud, or outdoor conditions depending on the assigned work area.

Disclaimer

The statements provided are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required. Responsibilities and job requirements may change based on business needs. Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as required.

In the Van Druden Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world’s best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family‑friendly, values‑driven company, you’ll fit right in with the Van Druden Family of Companies! Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our Company’s achievement as well.

The Van Druden Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Van Druden Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ('AI') in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Druden Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about our culture, our core values, our commitment to success, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it’s our people. Our employees are self‑disciplined, hardworking, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference.