Stand Up Forklift Operator - 1st shift (817)

Carl Buddig & Company; Illinois; On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Training and Development

Vacation & PTO

Referral Bonus Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Carl Buddig and Company is seeking a Stand-Up Forklift Operator/Material Handler in Montgomery, IL. The role requires safe forklift operation, movement of meat baskets, and adherence to GMP and USDA guidelines in a high-speed packaging setting.

Candidates should have 18+ years and be legally eligible to work in the United States, with a preference for those with a HS diploma/GED and forklift experience. This full-time position offers comprehensive benefits and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Prior experience operating a Stand-up Forklift preferred (2+ years).
• HS diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a stand-up forklift safely to move materials and pallets.
• Scan, wrap, and deliver baskets and pallets across packaging lines.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and GMP-compliant work area.
• Follow USDA guidelines and report food safety issues as required.
• Work overtime as needed, including weekends.

Skills

Forklift operation

Legal work status

High attention to safety

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Montgomery, IL 60538
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly
Job Shift: 1st

About Us

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family‑owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready‑to‑eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third‑generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary

The Stand‑Up Forklift Operator/Material Handler is responsible for effectively performing all the required duties of the position in an accurate, thorough, and safe manner.

Key Responsibilities

• The Material Handler/Forklift Driver is responsible for effectively performing all of the required duties of the position in an accurate, thorough, and safe manner.
• Employees are responsible for producing a safe and quality food product per USDA guidelines and are required to report all food safety related problems to their supervisor, manager, or to the quality assurance department.
• Scan and deliver meat baskets to all packaging lines with the use of a forklift.
• Reweigh meat baskets and place back into cooler as needed.
• Complete necessary audit of all rework vats.
• Wrap and properly secure rework vats once auditing process is complete.
• Ensure correct rotation of baskets.
• Maintain work area in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Maintain a safe work environment by monitoring foot traffic, following standards and procedures and complying with legal regulations per all forklift operations.
• Complete necessary forklift maintenance and associated reports to ensure maximum forklift performance and overall plant safety.
• Deliver supply boxes and empty pallets to packaging area as needed.
• Remove full pallets from packaging lines when completed.
• Scan and wrap completed pallets.
• Place license plate on pallet once scanning process is complete.
• Deliver pallets to shipping area with the use of a forklift.
• Remove excess inventory of boxes and pallets as needed.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Other duties may be assigned on a as needed basis.

Education & Experience

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be able to legally work in the United States.
• High School Diploma/GED preferred.
• Prior experience operating a Stand‑up Forklift preferred. Two or more years of related work experience is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in temperatures of 40 degrees or less.
• Must be able to stand for 8-9 hours per day.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds.
• Must have good hand and eye coordination.
• Must be able to work in a high‑speed packaging environment.
• Must be able to work a minimum 40 or more hours per week.
• Must be able to work mandatory overtime, if necessary, including weekends.
• Must be flexible and able to work as needed.

Pay Rate for this position is $20.00 per hour.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Training and Development, Vacation & PTO, Referral Bonus Program, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.