Forklift Operator - 1St Shift

Responsibility & Authority

The Forklift Operator is responsible for completing various tasks as specified by the customer’s work direction, and general needs. Responsibilities can include, but are not limited to: maintaining safety and HR standards of conduct at all times; following written work instructions in a self-directed manner; completing daily inspection of the lift and equipment used and logging those inspections; operating forklift (various models) in a safe and efficient manner; meeting expectations for timeliness and accuracy; up-stacking and down-stacking large items; assisting other team members in various tasks as requested; completing dock inspections of final product; taking direction from Bluegrass leadership, as well as the customer; and, any other tasks requested by the customer or Bluegrass. Forklift Drivers report directly to Supervisors/Managers.

Minimum Position Requirements (Skills & Abilities)

• Read and interpret charts, graphs and other data
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Maintain accurate and legible production records
• Understand detailed verbal and/or written work instructions
• Ability to multitask and pay close attention to detail
• Ability to train on multiple processes and to work in multiple cells on a regular basis
• Ability to continually exceed production rates while maintaining accuracy
• Troubleshooting and rework and a functional understanding of the components and finished products
• Cleaning of the production area during and following each shift
• Breaking down/tagging any items identified as nonconforming
• Organize and stock materials during and following each shift
• Ability to read and understand complex sequences and detailed work instructions
• Ability to train team members on processes
• Completion of routine safety training
• Basic mechanical and math skills
• Experience with all types of lifts within our environments

Essential Functions

• Maintain forklift certification and a valid drivers license
• The ability to follow detailed processes and complete tasks with minimal supervision
• The ability to validate the quality of their work
• Demonstrate a high mechanical aptitude, hand dexterity and visual acuity
• Perform repetitive processes in a standardized pattern
• Ability to work from a seated or standing position for up to 12 hours at a time
• No restrictions on bending, crouching, kneeling, climbing or mobility
• Identify, correct and report any potential safety or quality risks to leadership immediately
• Work effectively with others in a fast-paced, team driven environment
• Adaptable to change
• Must be willing to work in production or warehouse roles off of the forklift
• Must be available and willing to work overtime as required by business needs
• Abide by the Bluegrass Core Values at all time
• Reliable, punctual and committed to safety, quality and delivery

Physical Demands

A Forklift Driver can work in any range of environments including production, warehouse or outdoor environments where temperatures can range in excess of 100 degrees. Forklift operators are required to lift 50 to 75 pounds from the floor to over the shoulders on a frequent basis, up to a 12 hour shift. This position requires the ability to bend, crouch, kneel, and be in a standing or seated position for up to 12 hours on unpadded floors and requires maintaining three points of contact when entering/exiting the lift. Hand/eye coordination and the use of both hands/arms/legs/feet is required. Exposure to chemical hazards, electrical hazards, sharp objects/tools, noise and vibration are anticipated.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Warehouse Management Software
• Various production tools, including those powered by air pressure
• Pallet jacks
• RFID guns
• Various types of forklifts, including electric, propane, 4 function lifts, cherry pickers and stand up lifts

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Work Experience1 year of recent experience safely driving a forklift in a warehousing or manufacturing environment. Customer service skills, communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and are required.