Farm Forklift Driver

Reports To: Catching Crew Supervisor
Department: Catching
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Farm Forklift Driver is responsible for safely operating forklifts and material handling equipment in support of poultry farm operations. This role transports feed, supplies, eggs, packaging materials, litter, and other farm-related products while ensuring compliance with safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity standards. The Farm Forklift Driver plays a key role in maintaining efficient operations across poultry houses, warehouses, feed storage areas, and shipping locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts and powered industrial equipment throughout poultry farm facilities.
• Load, unload, and transport feed, bedding, egg pallets, packaging materials, and farm supplies.
• Move products between poultry houses, storage facilities, warehouses, and transportation vehicles.
• Assist with egg handling and movement activities while maintaining product quality standards.
• Load and remove litter, waste materials, and recyclable products as required.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections of forklifts and equipment and report maintenance concerns promptly.
• Follow all company safety policies, animal welfare guidelines, and biosecurity procedures.
• Clean and sanitize equipment as required to support disease prevention programs.
• Maintain inventory accuracy by recording material movements and assisting with cycle counts.
• Support farm operations during flock placements, cleanouts, bird transfers, and other production activities.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding operational needs and equipment concerns.
• Assist with general farm labor and operational tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous forklift operating experience required.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as production schedules require.

Preferred

• Experience working in poultry, agriculture, food production, or warehouse operations.
• Knowledge of farm biosecurity requirements and safe animal production practices.
• Experience with egg handling, feed delivery, or agricultural inventory management.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to work in dusty environments and around poultry houses.
• Ability to tolerate varying temperatures, humidity levels, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

• Poultry houses, feed mills, warehouses, egg rooms, storage facilities, and outdoor farm locations.
• Exposure to dust, feathers, feed ingredients, agricultural equipment, and varying environmental conditions.
• Frequent interaction with production personnel, farm management, and transportation providers.
• Compliance with strict biosecurity and sanitation protocols is required.

Core Competencies

• Safe forklift and equipment operation
• Commitment to biosecurity and animal welfare
• Reliability and attendance
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork and communication
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Continuous improvement mindset