Mobile Equipment Operator

Central Garden & Pet; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Education assistance

Employee discounts

Online courses access

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet is seeking a Material Handler to support the production line at our Walnut Creek, CA facility. You will operate a forklift, load and unload materials, put away goods, and move items within the plant to ensure timely delivery and safe handling.

Ideal candidates have basic math skills, can lift up to 50 lbs, and can stand/walk for several hours while communicating clearly with the team. Forklift experience is preferred; training is provided.

Qualifications

• Basic counting and math skills required.
• Ability to push/pull up to 50lbs.
• Ability to stand/walk/bend/stoop up to 3 hours.
• Strong verbal and written communication; document materials.
• Flexible; able to learn on the job with a can-do attitude.
• Self-starter; ask questions and speak up when needed.
• Team player; assist others as required.
• One year forklift experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Feed production line and track material deliveries with a forklift.
• Put-away finished goods or raw materials.
• Load/unload trucks; support cart management.
• Manual loading/unloading of materials; pallets and platforms.
• Coordinate with Production Leads and Quality Coordinator for timing.
• Transport materials within the facility.
• Optimize loads for efficiency.
• Secure loads before transport; report hazards.
• Remove unused materials at end of production run.
• Pack cushions when time allows.
• Follow safety guidelines and PPE use.

Skills

Basic counting

50 lbs lift

Stand/walk 3 hrs

Verbal & written communication

Learn as you go

Self-starter

Team player

Forklift experience

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Primary Responsibilities:

• Feeds the production line and manually tracks the delivery of materials with a forklift.
• Put-away of finished goods or raw materials.
• Timely loading and unloading of trucks and support of cart management for the production team as needed.
• Loading or unloading materials manually, off or onto pallets, platforms, skids, or lifting devices
• Partners with Production Leads and the Quality Coordinator for validation of materials and timing.
• Transporting materials to different locations within the facility.
• Optimizing loads to ensure operational efficiency.
• Securing loads to the machine before transportation.
• Report any faulty equipment, damage to racks, or other potential safety hazards.
• Removes and manually tracks unused or surplus materials at the end of a production run.
• Packing cushions when time allows.
• Follow all safety guidelines; especially for glad hand locks, dock locks, wheel chocks, PPE, lifting techniques, and housekeeping.

Required Skills:

• Basic counting and math skills.
• Ability to push/pull up to 50lbs.
• Ability to stand/walk/bend/stoop up to 3 hours at a stretch.
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills; written documentation and tracking of materials; verbal interaction with multiple individuals at various levels within the organization.
• Flexible; must be willing to “learn as you go” and have a “can do” attitude.
• Self-starter: must be willing to ask questions and speak up if something doesn’t make sense or seems out of place.
• Team player: must be willing to pitch in to assist team members with other duties as requested.
• One (1) year of experience operating a forklift preferred.

Training Provided:

• Safety – day one
• PLM (optional or future date)
• SAP (optional or future date)
• Forklift Certification or Recertification – day one
• Handheld Scanning Technology (as needed)
• Use of Automated Case Sealers and Conveyers (as needed)
• Packing Techniques (as needed)

Growth Opportunities:

Employees starting in the material handler – front-end production role have the opportunity to explore other roles within the organization such as warehouse support, inventory support, back-end production support, production, or quality.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts
• 401k
• Paid vacation and holidays
• 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)

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.