Forklift Operator - Shipping

Central Garden & Pet Company; Eatonton (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee assistance program

Education assistance

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet Company in Eatonton, GA is seeking a Forklift Operator to transport raw materials and finished goods within the facility under the Shipping Manager's supervision. The role requires operating a forklift safely and assisting with shipping and receiving tasks.

The candidate will unload/load trucks, organize the warehouse, and maintain inventory accuracy while following safety protocols in a factory environment.

Qualifications

• Be able to lift 30-50 cartons.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Responsibilities

• Sign bills of lading for shipping and receiving materials after verifying material quantities and quality.
• Unload and load trucks per orders. Verify that all materials being shipped are in good condition before loading.
• Organize and clean the warehouse daily.
• Safely drive a forklift truck to move materials throughout the plant and warehouse.
• Transport finished goods from the line to the warehouse/truck and ensure the accuracy of inventory.
• Supply bagging operation with empty bags, pallet materials, and other raw materials as requested.
• Complete a daily maintenance checklist on the forklift and submit work requests to maintenance for completion.

Skills

Lifting 30-50 cartons

Independent work

Safety awareness

Job description

Location: Eatonton, GA, United States
Date Posted: Oct 9, 2026
Job ID: JV-2606

Gro Tec Inc. is searching for a Forklift Operator at our Eatonton, GA location. This position requires qualified candidates to transport raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility under the general supervision of the Shipping Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sign bills of lading for shipping and receiving materials after verifying material quantities and quality.
• Unload and load trucks per orders. Verify that all materials being shipped are in good condition before loading.
• Organize and clean the warehouse daily.
• Safely drive a forklift truck to move materials throughout the plant and warehouse.
• Transport finished goods from the line to the warehouse/truck and ensure the accuracy of inventory.
• Supply bagging operation with empty bags, pallet materials, and other raw materials as requested.
• Complete a daily maintenance checklist on the forklift and submit work requests to maintenance for completion.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Perform other duties as assigned based on time and availability.
• Be able to lift 30-50 cartons.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a factory office environment involving either sitting or standing and walking throughout the shift depending on the activity which is being performed.
• Outdoor warehouse is minimally climate-controlled resulting in hot and cold conditions depending on the season.
• The presence of airborne dust may require the use of dust mask respirators depending on the type of product being transported. Employees must be capable of being properly fit to wear a respirator, e.g. No facial hair or significant abnormalities which would prevent an airtight fit.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.