Warehouse Forklift Operator (Edison, NJ)

United Natural Foods, Inc.; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is seeking a forklift operator for an on-site role at an Edison, NJ location.

The role involves moving product, conducting daily vehicle inspections, replenishing slots, and ensuring accurate inventory while adhering to HACCP and SQF policies as applicable to the facility. The ideal candidate will operate various forklifts safely, use RF scanners, and support overall warehouse operations with attention to detail and strong safety awareness.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Prior forklift experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with RF systems and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Reports to supervisor for daily assignment and inspections.
• Operates lift to move pallets and transport items to production area.
• Replenishes pick slots and verifies correct product, quantity, and lot numbers.
• Keeps area clean and logs inventory discrepancies.
• Maintains safe, efficient forklift operation and proper parking at shift end.

Skills

Forklift operation

RF scanners

Safety procedures

Inventory accuracy

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Reach truck

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Overview:

• Responsible for moving product. A forklift operator at United Natural Foods is required to have a strong understanding of his lift, the loads he/she is carrying, pick locations, pallet building, productivity measures and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Reports to the supervisor at the beginning of each shift for the daily assignment, vehicle inspection sheet and replenishment discrepancies sheet.

• Inspects assigned lift and completes vehicle inspection sheet.

• Replenishes pick slots using the view request screen. If no requests exist, uses the manual replenish screen to fill empty or almost empty slots.

• Performs knockdowns for selectors when needed.

• Maintains correct counts and logs any discrepancies in inventory.

• Verifies that the correct product is being put in the appropriate pick location.

• Ensure correct product, quantity, and lot numbers are selected.

• Transport picked items from warehouse to production area using reach machines

• Cuts and removes shrink wrap from all knockdowns.

• Removes all empty pallets from pick locations and aisles. Separates the good, bad, and blue pallets and neatly stages in pallet staging area.

• Keeps area clean and debris out of work area.

• Operates the lift in a safe and efficient manner.

• Parks and recharges lift in its appropriate spot at the end of the shift.

• Immediately informs a lead, supervisor, or manager of any potential safety violations or violation of company policy.

• Perform duties in accordance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures, including proper handling of food-grade materials.

• Keep warehouse aisles, docks, and staging areas clean and organized.

• Use RF scanners or manual logs for inventory movement

• Must be willing to do other warehouse functions like breaking down pallets

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:

• Operating a forklift in accordance with Company standards and procedures including quality standards and safety regulations.

• Effective communication and coordination exist with Company personnel and with management.

• Assistance and support are provided as needed.

• Deadlines are met.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred

Experience:

• Warehouse/Operations preferred but not required

• Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Prior experience with reach machine preferred

• Understanding of Safety guidelines

• Strong knowledge of RF systems.

• Operates forklifts (sit-down, stand-up, reach trucks, etc.).

• Must be willing to be certified to operate powered industrial trucks.

• Understand procedures in other areas of the warehouse for a more global understanding of all processes.

• Needs good attention to detail for correct order fulfillment.

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Onsite Role:

• This position requires the associate to perform all duties at one of our UNFI locations, such as a distribution center or office.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Warehouse Roles:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and turn frequently.

• Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20 degrees below zero to 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Perishable Operation and 37 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Grocery Operation.

• Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist, and hand movements required for maintenance and service procedures.

• Must be able to work with hands and arms overhead, and to work in or under the equipment.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.