Sanitation Forklift Operator

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.POSITION SUMMARY:The Sanitation Forklift role is a hands-on member in the Sanitation Team responsible for daily sanitation needs, as well as plant environment and mandatory sanitation requirements for machinery, equipment, and facilities in accordance with the company's policies and OSHA regulations and applicable laws. Clean/sanitize plant and production equipment cleaning, chemical handling, building and grounds upkeep. Also, must operate a Forklift (sit down and stand up), scissor lift and boom lift. Safety Ability: Promote a "safety first" culture within position, department, and all other departments company wide. Follow all safety rules (including lockout/tag out, confined space, fall protection and HazCom).Quality Ability: Support training of employees in regard to GMPs and SSOPs standards by leading by example.Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in continuous improvement teams and processes. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Promote a "safety first" culture within the Sanitation and all other departments. Follow all safety rules as trained and lead by example (including Lockout/Tagout and Confined Space). Completing daily sanitation tasks such as (but not limited to) sanitation of equipment lines and tools.Support measures to continuously improve sanitation methods, equipment performance and quality.Support training of employees regarding sanitation standards, GMPs, SSOPs and objectives by following procedures as trained and leading by example for new team members.Conduct regular inspection of equipment for wear and tear and report to lead or supervisor.Communicate improvement opportunities to supervisor such as changes in equipment, plant layout, lighting, ventilation, or work practices to improve sanitation standards and effectiveness of process.Follow updated chemical usage procedures.Successfully complete chemical dilutions and verifications.Keep informed of chemical labels and MSDS sheets and updates.Operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift and floor scrubber & ride on floor sweeper/tractor as assigned.Safely work with hazardous chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment.Required to climb ladders and must be comfortable at working a variety of heights.Will be required to work overtime and weekends based on business needs.Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.JOB ATTRIBUTES:Safety Awareness: Ability to identify and communicate conditions that affect employee safety.Leadership: Ability to listen and follow directions and follow procedures as trained. Communicate and make suggestions for improvement.Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build working relationships. Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.Detail-oriented: Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.Time Management: Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.Communication: Words and actions lead to mutual success. Maintains positive work relationships.Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.Detail-oriented: Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Experience in Sanitation processes and procedures preferred.Knowledge of pest control is a plus or ability to learn concepts and practices.Forklift experience a plus or ability to become forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, tractor, certified as needed within 30 days of hire.Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand for periods of time at workstation, climb stairs, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.The majority of the roles are performed in a manufacturing environment which may include high levels of noise indoor and outdoor conditions. Working in these conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity; and sometimes can include work in dusty or muddy work conditions. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENTFacility is a manufacturing environment, and this position may primarily be outdoors. The manufacturing environment and working outdoors may include high levels of noise. When working outdoors conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity; and sometimes can include work in dusty conditions. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company. Position requires standing, sitting, and walking on a regular basis for prolonged periods. Near vison-ability to see details at close range. Ability to continuously use trunk strength-abdominal and lower back to support repeated bodily movement. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.