Operator, Forklift - Afternoons

Van Drunen Farms; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Drunen Farms is hiring for a warehouse role in Kentucky with 2nd shift responsibilities. You will operate forklifts and ERP scanners, pick and prepare orders, and handle loading/unloading of goods while maintaining inventory accuracy.

The position emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Candidates should have a HS diploma or GED and 2+ years in warehousing, with English literacy and basic computer skills.

Qualifications

• Must have a HS diploma or GED and 2+ years in warehousing or shipping.
• Experience operating forklifts and material handling equipment in a warehouse environment.
• Read, write, and communicate effectively in English; basic computer literacy required.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and ERP scanners to move, receive, store and ship goods.
• Pull and prepare customer orders with high accuracy and timely fulfillment.
• Load/unload products from trucks and containers following safety procedures.
• Organize shipping paperwork and coordinate shipments with carriers.
• Perform cycle counts and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Maintain a clean, safe warehouse and support related duties as needed.

Skills

Forklift operation

ERP scanners

English proficiency

Inventory control

Teamwork / communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

ERP/WMS software

Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! SHIFT: 2nd shift 10:00AM - 7:30PM M-F 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.

Who We Are

At Van Drunen 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 forklifts, pallet jacks, and ERP scanners to safely move, receive, store, and ship finished goods throughout the warehouse.
• Pull and prepare customer orders using pick tickets while ensuring accuracy, quality, and timely order fulfillment.
• Load and unload products from straight trucks, tractor‑trailers, and overseas containers while following established safety procedures.
• Organize shipping paperwork, including manifests, labels, and pick tickets, and coordinate shipments through approved carriers.
• Perform cycle counts, inventory checks, and warehouse organization activities to maintain accurate inventory records.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized warehouse environment while supporting additional shipping, receiving, and inventory‑related responsibilities as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or GED, plus two or more years of related warehouse, shipping, receiving, or forklift experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience operating forklifts and material handling equipment in a warehouse environment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem‑solving, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and utilize warehouse systems and processes.
• Experience with ERP or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is preferred.

What You Can Look Forward To

A hands‑on role supporting critical warehouse, shipping, receiving, and inventory operations.

Opportunities to build and expand skills in logistics, inventory control, warehouse operations, and material handling.

A collaborative environment focused on customer satisfaction, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Daily interaction with shipping, receiving, inventory management, and order fulfillment processes that support customers across the organization.

A workplace that values integrity, reliability, cooperation, accountability, and initiative.

A dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development within a global food ingredient and nutritional supplement organization.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday.
• Regular lifting, moving, and handling of materials 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 when required.
• Ability to work in varying warehouse and production conditions, including dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, loud, or outdoor environments 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 Drunen 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 Drunen 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 Drunen 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 Drunen Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Drunen Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written and approved search agreement for a position‑specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

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.

To all recruitment agencies: Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV’s, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written and approved search agreement for a position‑specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company