Forklift Operator

Job Overview:

Responsible for moving product. A forklift operator at United Natural Foods is required to have a strong understanding of his lift, the loads he/she is carrying, pick locations, pallet building, productivity measures and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Reports to the supervisor at the beginning of each shift for the daily assignment, vehicle inspection sheet and replenishment discrepancies sheet.

• Inspects assigned lift and completes vehicle inspection sheet.

• Replenishes pick slots using the view request screen. If no requests exist, uses the manual replenish screen to fill empty or almost empty slots.

• Performs knockdowns for selectors when needed.

• Maintains correct counts and logs any discrepancies in inventory.

• Verifies that the correct product is being put in the appropriate pick location.

• Ensure correct product, quantity, and lot numbers are selected.

• Transport picked items from warehouse to production area using reach machines

• Cuts and removes shrink wrap from all knockdowns.

• Removes all empty pallets from pick locations and aisles. Separates the good, bad, and blue pallets and neatly stages in pallet staging area.

• Keeps area clean and debris out of work area.

• Operates the lift in a safe and efficient manner.

• Parks and recharges lift in its appropriate spot at the end of the shift.

• Immediately informs a lead, supervisor, or manager of any potential safety violations or violation of company policy.

• Perform duties in accordance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies and procedures, as appropriate for location

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures, including proper handling of food-grade materials.

• Keep warehouse aisles, docks, and staging areas clean and organized.

• Use RF scanners or manual logs for inventory movement

• Must be willing to do other warehouse functions like breaking down pallets

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:

• Operating a forklift in accordance with Company standards and procedures including quality standards and safety regulations.

• Effective communication and coordination exist with Company personnel and with management.

• Assistance and support are provided as needed.

• Deadlines are met.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred

Experience:

• Warehouse/Operations preferred but not required

• Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Prior experience with reach machine preferred

• Understanding of Safety guidelines

• Strong knowledge of RF systems.

• Operates forklifts (sit-down, stand-up, reach trucks, etc.).

• Must be willing to be certified to operate powered industrial trucks.

• Understand procedures in other areas of the warehouse for a more global understanding of all processes.

• Needs good attention to detail for correct order fulfillment.

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Onsite Role:

• This position requires the associate to perform all duties at one of our UNFI locations, such as a distribution center or office.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Warehouse Roles:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and turn frequently.

• Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20 degrees below zero to 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Perishable Operation and 37 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Grocery Operation.

• Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist, and hand movements required for maintenance and service procedures.

• Must be able to work with hands and arms overhead, and to work in or under the equipment.