Forklift Technician I

Americold Logistics, LLC.; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Americold Logistics, LLC. is seeking a Forklift Operator in South Plainfield, NJ to support our warehouse operations. You will perform routine repairs and preventive maintenance on forklifts and other material handling equipment to ensure safety and efficiency.

Join a company that values safety, reliability, and teamwork. The role requires HazMat certification, basic computer skills, and the ability to work in a cold storage environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• HazMat training and certification is required.
• Completion of assigned technical training or mechanical-electrical courses.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and repair forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to ensure safety and operational standards.
• Maintain batteries and chargers in working order according to safety standards.
• Test, maintain, and evaluate equipment performance using appropriate testing instruments.
• Maintain tools and machinery in good condition and use equipment as instructed.
• Conduct tests of safety equipment to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Maintain accurate preventive maintenance records within the maintenance management system.
• Keep work area clean, organized, and perform housekeeping duties as required.
• Other essential duties may be applicable and assigned as necessary.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Safety-conscious

Forklift operation awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

HazMat training and certification

Technical training or mechanical-electrical courses

Job description

Join the Cold Chain That Feeds the World.

For over 120 years, Americold has connected producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and accessible. With 240+ facilities across four continents and 14,000+ team members, we’re a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics.

Our mission is to help our customers feed the world - and we’re looking for people who share that purpose. We value customer service, innovation, and inclusion, and we invest in our people’s growth and well-being. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a company that puts people first, Americold is the place for you.

Forklift Operator

What You'll Do

You will perform routine repairs and preventive maintenance on forklifts and other material handling equipment throughout the warehouse to support operational objectives. Responsibilities include troubleshooting and repairing equipment, maintaining accurate preventive maintenance records, and conducting safety equipment tests to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. Flexible shifts may be required including on-call work.

Essential Functions

• Inspect and perform routine repairs on forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Maintain batteries and chargers in working order according to safety standards.
• Test, maintain, and evaluate equipment performance using appropriate testing instruments.
• Maintain tools and machinery in good condition and use equipment as instructed.
• Conduct tests of safety equipment to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Maintain accurate preventive maintenance records within the maintenance management system.
• Keep work area clean, organized, and perform housekeeping duties as required.
• Other essential duties may be applicable and assigned as necessary.

What Experience And Education You Need

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Minimum 1 year of forklift maintenance experience or specialized forklift maintenance/repair training, or minimum 2 years of mechanic experience in auto, diesel, or truck/trailer repair.
• Successful completion of assigned technical training or mechanical-electrical courses.
• HAZMAT training and certification required.
• Basic computer skills for email, internet searches, and data entry.

What Could Set You Apart

• Experience working in a cold storage environment.
• Technical certification or degree preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose material handling equipment at the component level.
• Experience using Oracle Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Physical Requirements

• Able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures of minus 45 (-45) degrees Fahrenheit (-43 degrees Celsius) and outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold, and precipitation).
• Able to work at heights in excess of 30 ft. (9 meters) and access elevated platforms, catwalks, and roofs.
• Able to work in confined areas.
• Able to climb ladders and stairs.
• Able frequently to stand, walk, push, pull, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch.
• Able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (23 kg) frequently.
• Able to operate hand and power tools safely.
• Able to meet specific vision abilities required by this job including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception. (Use of contacts is prohibited when working with ammonia.)
• Depending on specific role, able to pass a physical and respiratory/respirator fit exam.
• Able to frequently step up/on or step down/off to mount and dismount material handling equipment.
• Able to perform fine articulation movements with fingers/hands and/or feet to operate equipment.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment required for any/all tasks.

The Company’s good‑faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $19.25 to $26.00 hourly.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability status, as a protected veteran or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V.

What We Offer

At Americold, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer benefits designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and future. Our associates know what’s in it for them - opportunity, purpose and a values‑driven culture. When you join Americold, you become part of a mission to help our customers feed the world.

U.S. Only: Americold offers a range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD coverage, 401(k) with Company match, FSA, life insurance, EAP, and paid time off, some of which may vary depending on the particular position and whether it is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Job Location

330 Oak Tree Ave, South Plainfield, NJ