Production Forklift Operator

Vermont Cider Company; Middlebury (VT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off starting at three weeks

Up to 10 paid holidays annually

Paid parental leave

Company-paid life insurance

Company-paid short-term and long-term

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Annual bonus opportunity

Monthly product allowance

Employee referral bonus program

Wellness and employee appreciation

Job summary

Vermont Hard Cider Company is seeking an experienced Forklift Operator to support 1st shift production in Middlebury. This role keeps production stocked, supports hands-on production tasks, and upholds safety and quality standards.

Shift is Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with pay ranging from $19.00 to $24.00 per hour. Responsibilities include operating forklifts, staging materials, ensuring efficient material flow, and completing inventory transactions.

Qualifications

• Current forklift certification is preferred; candidates must be able to obtain and maintain company-required certification.
• Two to five years of forklift operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent record of accurate documentation.
• Demonstrated safe work habits and the ability to follow established production-floor procedures.
• Ability to work independently, communicate priorities clearly, and support an organized production workflow.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment safely on the production floor.
• Stage raw materials, packaging, pallets, and supplies for scheduled production runs.
• Keep production lines supplied and move finished goods efficiently to designated production-floor staging areas.
• Complete inventory transactions and material-movement documentation accurately and on time.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and promptly report safety concerns or maintenance needs.
• Support production changeovers, cleanup activities, downtime projects, and other production-floor needs as required.
• Follow all safety, GMP, food safety, quality, and operating procedures to maintain a safe, productive work environment.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Job description

Description

Put your forklift skills to work on a four-day schedule with Vermont Hard Cider Company. Join us as an experienced Forklift Operator supporting 1st shift production operations in Middlebury.

In this key role, you will keep production teams supplied with the materials they need for efficient operations, provide hands‑on production support as needed, and uphold our safety and quality standards.

Schedule: 1st shift | Monday–Thursday | 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Pay: $19.00–$24.00 per hour

Pay is based on skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other material‑handling equipment safely on the production floor.
• Stage raw materials, packaging, pallets, and supplies for scheduled production runs.
• Keep production lines supplied and move finished goods efficiently to designated production‑floor staging areas.
• Complete inventory transactions and material‑movement documentation accurately and on time.
• Perform pre‑shift equipment inspections and promptly report safety concerns or maintenance needs.
• Support production changeovers, cleanup activities, downtime projects, and other production‑floor needs as required.
• Follow all safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, quality, and operating procedures to maintain a safe, productive work environment.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Current forklift certification is preferred; candidates must be able to obtain and maintain company‑required certification.
• Two to five years of forklift operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent record of accurate documentation.
• Demonstrated safe work habits and the ability to follow established production‑floor procedures.
• Ability to work independently, communicate priorities clearly, and support an organized production workflow.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful work: Keep materials flowing safely and efficiently to support smooth production.
• Safety‑first culture: Work where training and responsible equipment operation are top priorities.
• Active, hands‑on role: Stay engaged throughout the day while taking on important responsibilities.
• Supportive team: Work with experienced colleagues who value reliability, communication, and collaboration.
• Growth opportunities: Strengthen your forklift and material‑handling expertise through training and career advancement.
• Commitment to quality: Join a team that values accuracy, craftsmanship, and high operating standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off starting at three weeks in your first year
• Up to 10 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Monthly product allowance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Wellness and employee appreciation programs

About Vermont Cider Company

Since reigniting the American hard cider category in 1991, Vermont Cider Co. has remained committed to passionately crafting innovative, refreshing ciders. Our portfolio spans from the iconic Woodchuck Hard Cider to the fruit‑forward Wyder's Cider. Beyond our owned brands, we also manage commercial operations for selected partners, bringing our expertise to additional brands across the industry.

About Green Mountain Beverage

Green Mountain Beverage is a world class manufacturer of hard cider, alcoholic, and specialty non‑alcoholic beverages. We have a passion for producing the highest quality products with a commitment to our employees and our community, ensuring we are socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible. Our people are the best in the industry. We work tirelessly to provide our clients with the highest level of service, knowledge, and expertise

Vermont Hard Cider Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. Employment is subject to applicable pre‑employment screenings and background verification.