Forklift Operator

Company: Buckhead Meat and Seafood
Location: Hoffman Estates
Posted on: October 29, 2025

Job Description:

Summary: Responsible for all general warehouse functions including loading, unloading, manual depal, receiving, put-a-way, pulls and replenishments, and selection of product when qualified and as needed in accordance with Preferred Work Methods (PWMs). Each function requires specific equipment and/or process certification. Requires working in freezer, cooler and dry warehouse environments with extreme cold and/or warm temperatures. Performs all duties safely, accurately and meets set productivity standards and goals Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Follow warehouse management system directed tasking to transport pallets of product safely between staging areas (docks, pack/holds, manual depal area and storage areas (rack) following established PWMs. Put away product using material handling equipment (MHE), primarily a reach forklift. Inspect product being moved for shortages, damage, quality, or deterioration of packing and report to supervisor. Replenish product to full pallet or hand stack pick location/slot from reserve location following directed tasking and established PWMs. Remove shrink wrap, bands or tape when placing a pallet into a selection location (for replenishments). Ensure pallets are secured with shrink wrap for effective delivery to a door or staging area and to rack storage (for puts). When carrying multiple pallets, pallet with heavier items should be transported on the bottom and pallet with lighter items should be placed on the top to prevent damage to lighter product. Deliver stacked pallets to assigned area on loading dock in an effort to ensure that products are accurately staged and can be systematically loaded. Must successfully complete the forklift operator certification process and testing and be able to perform the PWMs. Work effectively with immediate supervisor to minimize warehouse shrink/damage (product loss). Responsible for the neatness and cleanliness of assigned work areas and travel aisles, and the accuracy of warehouse locations. Report any unfixable/unsafe issues immediately to supervisor. Observe and enforce all safety rules to eliminate accidents and injuries. Operate appropriate MHE, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, in a safe and orderly manner to eliminate accidents and injuries. Observe proper lifting techniques and physical work practices in accordance with established PWMs. Ensure that MHE is maintained (perform daily inspection) and clean; report repair or service needs to supervisor to minimize equipment damage and down time. Use warehouse computers and RF equipment in a safe and professional manner to avoid damage to equipment. Understand and comply with all applicable Company policies (i.e. attendance, Code of Business Conduct & Ethics, Associate Handbook, etc. Comply with all applicable State/Federal laws, regulations, and policies (i.e. OSHA Occupational Health and Safety Administration , HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points , etc.). Supports food safety policies, standard operating procedures, and prerequisite food safety control programs that meet legal and quality requirements and industry best practices as defined in our Food Safety Commitment documentation. Performs other warehouse duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must pass a functional capacity test. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment. Must be able to communicate effectively with supervision, management and co-workers. Must be able to observe and to communicate those observations verbally and in written form to others responsible for the equipment operation and maintenance. Education and Experience: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred; six months previous forklift experience required . Reach truck experience preferred. Material handling equipment experience preferred. Crown and/or Raymond reach truck experience a plus. Language Skills: Must have ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Must have ability to read and write simple correspondence. Must have ability to speak effectively in one-on-one and in a small group situations and to respond to questions from managers, associates, and peers. Mathematical Skills: Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Reasoning Ability: Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Must have ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Certification on material handling equipment is required, or the ability to become certified. Physical Requirements of the Position: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An individual should contact his or her supervisor or the Human Resources Department if he or she believes that an accommodation is needed. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The associate is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The associate is required to stoop, kneel, crouch or sit. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Job is performed in a warehouse/operations environment. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently exposed to fast moving material handling equipment or other mechanical equipment, extreme cold or heat in freezer/cooler warehouse environments including temperature of zero degrees. The associate is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, contained toxic or caustic chemicals, low voltage electrical equipment and vibration. The noise level in the work environment usually is loud. Work hours: This is a full-time position. The incumbent must have the ability to work a varying schedule which might include shift work (days or nights), weekdays or weekends, and some holidays. Work hours may vary or change based on customer order, departmental or business requirements. Travel: The position does not require travel. The above statement reflects the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Keywords: Buckhead Meat and Seafood, Hoffman Estates , Forklift Operator, Logistics, Transportation & Drivers , Hoffman Estates, Illinois