Forklift Driver

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Forklift Operator

Department

Production

Reports To

Production Manager or Production Supervisor
 
FLSA Status
 ☐ Exempt
☒ Non-Exempt

Employment Type
☒ Full-Time
☐ Part-Time

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a forklift to load, unload, and move materials and products within the pistachio plant. This role supports the logistics and warehouse teams in ensuring that all goods are properly stored, transported, and prepared for shipping. The operator must maintain high safety standards, follow all plant protocols, and contribute to maintaining an organized and efficient work environment.

Essential Functions

• Safely operate forklifts to load, unload, transport, and store raw materials, finished products, and other inventory throughout the facility
 • Handle pistachios and related materials carefully to prevent product damage and maintain quality standards
 • Transport materials between storage areas, production equipment, and loading docks
 • Assist with inventory management, including scanner use and accurate documentation of received, stored, and shipped materials
 • Support order fulfillment by accurately picking, staging, and preparing products for shipment
 • Perform manual labor including stacking pallets, strapping totes to pallets, and other assigned warehouse duties
 • Conduct routine forklift inspections and basic equipment maintenance; report malfunctions or safety concerns promptly
 • Maintain compliance with GMP, food safety, safety, and company policies and procedures
 • Monitor products during handling and report damaged products or inventory discrepancies
 • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area including proper storage of materials and equipment
 • Communicate effectively with supervisors, leads, logistics coordinators, and team members
 • Maintain regular and reliable attendance
 • Perform additional duties as assigned

Essential functions should reflect duties that are truly fundamental to the role. California FEHA and the ADA tie accommodation obligations directly to these essential duties.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred
 • Previous forklift operating experience in a warehouse or logistics environment preferred, preferably in the food industry
 • Valid forklift operator certification required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in operating various types of forklifts including counterbalance and reach trucks
 • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
 • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in inventory handling
 • Ability to read and interpret shipping documents and inventory lists
 • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
 • Good communication and teamwork skills
 • Basic math and communication skills
 • Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing and warehouse environment

Work Environment

• Food manufacturing and warehouse environment within a pistachio processing plant
 • Exposure to dust, loud noise, varying temperatures, and moving machinery
 • Indoor and outdoor work may be required
 • May work around chemicals or allergens including pistachios and other tree nuts
 • May work in cold storage or refrigerated environments

Physical Demands / ADA Functional Analysis Chart
 

Physical Requirement

Frequency

Essential Function?

Standing

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Walking

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Sitting

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Lifting 10 lbs.

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Lifting 25 lbs.

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Lifting 50 lbs.

☒ Occasionally

☒ Yes

Carrying

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Pushing/Pulling

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Reaching Above Shoulder

☒ Occasionally

☒ Yes

Bending/Stooping

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Twisting

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Climbing

☒ Occasionally

☒ Yes

Kneeling/Crouching

☒ Occasionally

☒ No

Fine Hand Manipulation

☒ Constantly

☒ Yes

Use of Vision

☒ Constantly

☒ Yes

Hearing/Speaking

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Frequency Definitions

• Occasionally: Up to 33% of the workday
 • Frequently: 34% to 66% of the workday
 • Constantly: 67% to 100% of the workday

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Primex Farms, LLC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and all applicable state and federal laws. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The Company engages in a timely, good-faith interactive process regarding accommodation requests.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Primex Farms, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.