Forklift Operator at Americold in Lakeville, MN

What You'll Do

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Essential Functions

• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility.
• Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
• In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety.
• Must be able to meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.

What Experience and Education You Need

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.

What Could Set You Apart

• An ability to work independently.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned, and the ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work in spaces with 55 inches (1.4 meters) of headroom.
• Able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) to minus 45 (-45) degrees Fahrenheit (-43 degrees Celsius), as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Able to climb ladders or step ladders.
• Able to tolerate heights up to 30 ft. (9 meters) and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment required for working at heights and in cold temperatures.
• Able to stand and/or walk continuously or frequently over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Able to frequently step up/on or step down/off to mount and dismount material handling equipment.
• Able to perform fine articulation movements with fingers/hands and/or feet to operate equipment.
• Depending on specific role, must be able to lift boxes of varying weights up 80 lbs. (36 kg) and carry product a distance of up to 6 ft. (2 meters) without mechanical assistance.
• Able to meet specific vision abilities required by this job, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Able to hear and speak in order to comprehend, respond to, and provide instructions and safety warnings, as well as able to read and understand packaging, shipping documents, and safety guidelines.

The Company’s good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $20.50 hourly. In addition, there is a $1.50 shift differential applicable to 2nd shift only. There is also potential to earn an additional $5.08 per hour for production incentive, bringing your potential pay up to $27.08 per hour.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V.

About the Company

Join the Cold Chain That Feeds the World.

For over 120 years, Americold has connected producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and accessible. With 240+ facilities across four continents and 14,000+ team members, we’re a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics. Our mission is to help our customers feed the world – and we’re looking for people who share that purpose. We value customer service, innovation, and inclusion, and we invest in our people’s growth and well-being. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a company that puts people first, Americold is the place for you.