Material Handler/Forklift Operator 1st Shift

woodlandfoods; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

Paid time off

Annual bonus eligibility

Job summary

Woodland Gourmet is seeking a Material Handler / Forklift Operator to safely move, store, and stage materials in our warehouse and production areas. This role supports production by ensuring accurate material flow, inventory accuracy, and adherence to GMP and food safety standards.

The position requires at least 1 year of forklift experience, HS diploma or GED, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred, with a pay range of $18.00–$25.00 per hour and

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of forklift experience (Reach Truck, Stand-up, or Cherry Picker).
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to transport and store products.
• Scan materials into and out of locations using internal inventory systems.
• Load/unload freight from trucks and transfers, weigh and stage materials.
• Prepare finished goods for shipment and ensure accurate inventory rotation (FIFO).
• Communicate discrepancies to Shipping or Production leadership and maintain a clean, safe workspace.

Skills

Forklift operation

Inventory management

English communication

Team lift

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Material Handler / Forklift Operator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Department Supervisor
Supervises: N/A
Travel: As needed according to the essential functions of the position
Department: Shipping

JOB PURPOSE: The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, and handling of products, raw materials, packaging, and supplies within warehouse and production areas. This role supports production operations by ensuring materials are accurately received, stored, staged, and delivered to the appropriate locations while maintaining inventory accuracy and compliance with company safety, quality, and sanitation standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Use internal inventory systems to scan materials and products into and out of locations.
• Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to transport and store products, raw materials, and packaging supplies.
• Load and unload freight from trucks and internal transfers using manual handling or powered equipment.
• Weigh, label, and stage materials and finished goods as required.
• Deliver and replenish raw materials, packaging, and supplies to production areas to support scheduled production runs.
• Store received materials properly to support inventory accuracy and proper product rotation (FIFO).
• Prepare finished goods for shipment by building boxes or pallets and processing packages through shipping systems such as UPS or FedEx.
• Communicate with Warehouse, Production, Quality Assurance, and Management regarding discrepancies in inventory, material conditions, or product quality concerns.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment in the warehouse and/or production areas.
• Perform daily inspections of forklifts and material handling equipment and complete inspection reports as required.
• Identify and communicate products that require repacking or corrective action to Shipping or Production leadership.
• Follow all company safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of forklift experience (Reach Truck, Stand-up, or Cherry Picker) required.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Working knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory movement, or food manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime when required.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs. (team lift required for items over 55 lbs.).
• Must follow all Woodland Gourmet GMPs and comply with food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Skills/Abilities

• Basic computer skills and experience using inventory or scanning systems.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Understanding of scale operations, weights, and measurements.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Teams, Outlook, Excel).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and frequently bend and move about the facility. Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small spaces. Able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive physical tasks. Ability to lift, push, or pull materials up to 50 pounds. Able to work in a typical manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to noise and non-toxic dust.

Work Environment

• Works in a manufacturing environment
• Exposure to dust, odors, and noise

Personal Protective Equipment

The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing and warehouse areas, which may, under certain conditions, require the use of personal protective equipment.

This document does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. The hourly rate for this role will be $ 18.00 to $ 25.00. This position is eligible for an annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions). Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.

Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.

Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit E-Verify website.