Warehouse / Forklft Driver

A&Z Trucking; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A&Z Trucking in Salinas, CA is seeking a Forklift / Warehouse Associate to move perishable goods from receiving to temperature-controlled storage and onto outbound trailers. You will operate electric forklifts, perform FIFO cold-storage, load/unload trailers, and use RF scanners to keep inventory accurate while maintaining safety in a refrigerated 34–38°F environment.

This role requires OSHA forklift certification, 1–2 years of warehouse experience, and the ability to work 3:30pm–12:00am,

Qualifications

• Valid Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA-compliant).
• 1–2 years of warehouse experience, preferably within the agricultural or food industry.
• Able to work in a refrigerated environment (34°F - 38°F) and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays during peak harvest cycles.
• Basic math and reading skills; able to follow complex verbal and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Forklift Operation: Safely operate electric stand-up/sit-down forklifts, squeeze lifts, or electric pallet jacks to move, stack, and stage pallets.
• Cold Storage Management: Organize and rotate produce/products within the cooler using FIFO to ensure freshness.
• Loading/Unloading: Load outbound trailers and unload inbound shipments, verifying counts and quality.
• Inventory Control: Use RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track product movement and maintain 100% inventory accuracy.
• Safety & Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-shift inspections and report mechanical issues; follow OSHA and FSMA regulations.
• Sanitation: Maintain a clean workspace to comply with food safety standards.

Skills

Forklift operation

RF scanning

Inventory control

Reading & math

Safety compliance

Tools

MS Office (Outlook, Excel)

Job description

The Forklift / Warehouse Associate role is central to our supply chain, ensuring that perishable goods are moved efficiently from the receiving dock to our temperature-controlled storage and onto outbound trailers. An active forklift certification and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cold-storage environment is required. This position requires working 3:30pm to 12midnight; Monday - Thursday, & Saturday. It may require additional hours and days as business needs dictate.

Key Responsibilities

• Forklift Operation: Safely operate electric stand-up/sit-down forklifts, squeeze lifts, or electric pallet jacks to move, stack, and stage pallets.
• Cold Storage Management: Organize and rotate produce/products within the cooler using FIFO (First-In, First-Out) methods to ensure freshness.
• Loading/Unloading: Accurately load outbound trailers according to manifest and unload inbound shipments, verifying product counts and quality.
• Inventory Control: Use RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track product movement and maintain 100% inventory accuracy.
• Safety & Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of equipment; report any mechanical issues immediately. Adhere to all OSHA and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) regulations.
• Sanitation: Maintain a clean and organized workspace to comply with food safety standards.

Required Qualifications

• Certification: Valid Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA-compliant).
• Experience: Minimum 1-2 years of experience in a warehouse or distribution center, preferably within the agricultural or food industry.
• Physical Ability: Must be able to work in a refrigerated environment (34°F - 38°F) for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs consistently.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work seasonal overtime, including weekends and holidays as needed during peak harvest cycles.
• Skills: Basic math and reading skills; ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.

Preferred Skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• MS Office including Outlook & Excel; TMS/WMS experience