15-16.09 Temp to Hire Suffolk VA The Forklift Operator plays a critical role in daily operations. This position is responsible for safely moving raw agricultural materials and finished goods across processing floors, staging areas, and cold storage facilities. The ideal candidate maintains high safety standards, understands food safety and allergen control protocols, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Material Handling & Staging Safely operate sit-down electric/gas forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, and pallet jacks to move raw and finished products. Load and unload flatbeds, box trucks, and shipping containers containing bulk totes, gaylord boxes, super sacks, and palletized inventory. Transport to production lines, shellers, sorting stations, and packaging equipment to maintain steady production workflow. Move finished product from production packaging lines into designated warehouse storage racks or cold storage areas. Inventory & Warehouse Operations Scan, record, and track inventory movements using RF handheld scanners and Warehouse Management System (WMS) software. Perform physical counts, verify tag details, and report material discrepancies to inventory management. Assist in organizing warehouse space to maximize storage efficiency and ensure strict First-In, First-Out (FIFO) product rotation. Safety, Food Safety & Quality Standards Strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) standards, and food allergen management protocols. Conduct mandatory daily pre-shift forklift safety inspections (checking hydraulics, tires, brakes, fluid levels, and safety alarms); report maintenance issues immediately. Ensure all loads are stable, wrapped, and properly balanced prior to transport. Maintain a clean, sweep-ready work area around loading docks, aisles, and staging bays to prevent pest attraction and dust buildup.
Qualifications & Skills Experience:
Minimum 1-2 years of industrial/warehouse forklift experience (experience in food processing, agricultural milling, or heavy grain/produce handling strongly preferred).
Equipment Knowledge:
Proficiency operating 5,000+ lb capacity sit-down forklifts, clamp trucks, and electric pallet jacks.
Allergen Awareness:
Understanding of allergen handling and sanitation standards in a nut-processing environment.
Technical Skills:
Ability to operate RF scanners and basic computer terminal equipment for inventory tracking.
Soft Skills:
Strong spatial awareness, detail orientation, and clear communication in team settings.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Physical Capability:
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, perform repetitive twisting/turning while operating equipment, and mount/dismount machinery frequently.
Work Environment:
Exposure to high-dust agricultural environments (peanut hull dust), fluctuating temperatures (ambient factory floor, outdoor loading docks, and refrigerated storage rooms), and noise levels requiring hearing protection.
Shift Work:
Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, night shifts, weekends, and mandatory overtime during peak harvest/milling seasons. #IND34
