Forklift Operator - Shipping, MI

Title: Forklift Operator - Shipping

Reports to: Shipping and Receiving Supervisor 

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Non-Exempt

LOCATION AND COMPANY SUMMARY

Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Benton Harbor offers a unique blend of affordability, opportunity, and lakeside living that’s hard to beat. Just minutes from the charming waterfront community of St. Joseph (less than a 20-minute drive), residents enjoy easy access to sandy beaches, boutique shopping, and year-round festivals. The area is also within a short drive of South Haven (about 30 minutes) and under two hours from Chicago, making weekend getaways effortless. 

With nearby wineries, golf courses, and outdoor recreation, plus a growing local food and arts scene, Benton Harbor delivers a laid-back lifestyle with big-city access—perfect for professionals looking to grow their careers without sacrificing quality of life.

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer.

As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Duties of the Forklift Operator include but are not limited to supplying various production areas with new product, removing finished product and general clean up.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supply production lines with raw product and other needed production material
• Removal of finished product
• Clean up
• Removal of trash
• Responsible for keeping production lines with needed product and material
• Follows safety policies and procedures including safe power equipment operations
• Follows all company policies
• Works overtime as required
• Other duties assigned

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

This position requires 1-2 years of experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• One plus year prior warehouse/stocking/forklift experience
• Ability to operate a manual/powered pallet jack or lift product
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Forklift certification is required
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Strong communication skills and desire to work with other team members

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a warehouse and food production environment. 
• Frequent operation of forklifts, powered industrial trucks, and manual/powered pallet jacks. 
• Constant exposure to food processing chemicals, including chlorine and other approved cleaning/sanitation agents. 
• Exposure to produce odors and fumes, including onions, peppers, and other fresh vegetables. 
• Regular interaction with moving machinery, powered equipment, and forklift traffic. 
• May be exposed to varying temperatures typical of warehouse and food production operations. 
• Required to follow all food safety, sanitation, GMP, and OSHA safety regulations. 
• Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required based on production demands. 
• Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include safety shoes, safety vest, gloves, hairnet, beard      net (if applicable), hearing protection, and other required protective equipment. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent sitting while operating forklifts and powered equipment. 
• Frequent use of hands for gripping, grasping, steering, and operating forklift controls. 
• Frequent use of feet for repetitive operation of forklift pedals and other powered equipment. 
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing 5 to 50 pounds. 
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching. 
• Frequent walking and standing while loading, unloading, staging, and transporting materials. 
• Occasional reaching above shoulder level. 
• Occasional repetitive hand and wrist movements while handling products, pallets, and warehouse materials. 
• Must have sufficient visual acuity and depth perception to safely operate powered industrial equipment. 
• Must be able to safely enter and exit forklifts repeatedly throughout the shift. 
• Must be able to work safely around moving equipment and in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k) 
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.