Forklift Operator — Deep Reach Experience Required

Forklift Operator — Deep Reach Experience Required

Department: Warehouse Operations
Reports To: Warehouse Supervisor / Warehouse Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time — Mornings

Position Summary

The Warehouse Forklift Operator safely operates deep reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, and pallet jacks to transport, stage, replenish, and organize products throughout the warehouse. This position supports inventory accuracy, efficient order fulfillment, and safe product handling in a fast-paced food distribution environment.

Hands-on experience operating Crown or Raymond deep reach trucks is required. Experience limited to sit-down forklifts, standard reach trucks, or pallet jacks does not meet this requirement.

Essential Functions

• Safely operate Crown or Raymond deep reach trucks to place and retrieve pallets in double-deep storage racks.

• Operate stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks to transport, stage, replenish, load, unload, and organize products in accordance with company safety policies and operating procedures.

• Transport products between receiving, storage, replenishment, staging, picking, and shipping locations.

• Replenish pick locations to support efficient order fulfillment.

• Load, unload, stack, and organize pallets while maintaining product integrity.

• Perform required pre-operational equipment inspections and promptly report equipment deficiencies, maintenance needs, or safety concerns.

• Verify product identification, quantities, lot numbers, and product condition during material movement.

• Support inventory accuracy by properly relocating and staging products within the warehouse.

• Follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory rotation practices.

• Follow company safety policies, food safety standards, and warehouse operating procedures.

• Maintain clean and organized work areas around assigned equipment and operating zones.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of experience operating a stand-up forklift in a warehouse or distribution environment.

• Hands-on experience operating Crown or Raymond deep reach trucks, including placing and retrieving pallets in double-deep racks.

• Ability to demonstrate safe deep reach truck operation during a pre-employment equipment skills assessment.

• Basic reading and math skills.

• Ability to receive, understand, and respond appropriately to work instructions and safety communications in an active warehouse environment.

• Availability to work morning shifts, including early start times, and overtime, weekends, or holidays as business needs require.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• Experience working in a foodservice, produce, grocery, cold storage, or distribution warehouse.

• Experience using RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Safe operation of deep reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, and pallet jacks.

• Pallet placement and retrieval in double-deep storage racks.

• Warehouse material handling, replenishment, and product movement.

• Inventory accuracy and FIFO inventory practices.

• Food safety and sanitation practices.

• Equipment inspection and safe operating procedures.

• Ability to learn and effectively use RF scanners and WMS.

• Time management and organizational skills.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Teamwork and effective communication.

• Problem-solving and sound judgment.

• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to operational and safety information.

Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position require the following, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Frequent standing, walking, and physical activity throughout the workday.

• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling products weighing up to 75 pounds.

• Bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, twisting, climbing, and performing repetitive movements.

• Safely operating deep reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, and pallet jacks throughout the workday.

• Using hands and arms to grasp, handle, lift, steer, and operate warehouse equipment.

• Working in refrigerated, freezer, and ambient warehouse environments.

• Wearing and properly using required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

Employees work in a warehouse and food distribution environment with refrigerated, freezer, and ambient temperature conditions. Employees may encounter moving equipment, loading docks, pedestrian traffic, and moderate to high noise levels.

Safety communications include equipment horns, verbal warnings, and other operational signals, particularly around moving equipment, loading docks, intersections, and warehouse traffic areas. Employees must follow food safety standards, workplace safety requirements, and company operating procedures.

Schedule Expectations

This is a full-time morning position that may require early start times. Overtime, weekends, holidays, and occasional schedule adjustments may be required based on operational and customer needs.

Benefits

Brothers Food Service offers a competitive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Brothers Food Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Brothers Food Service reserves the right to modify this job description as business needs require. Employees may be assigned additional duties to meet operational needs.