Forklift Operator

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Colorado - Colorado Springs, CO 80905Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $18.27 - $23.33 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: 1st Shift- Mon-Fri, 6:00am-2:30pmJob Category: Distribution - Shipping Forklift Operator As we prepare to embark on our centennial journey, New Generation Wellness (NGW) is not just marking a milestone; we are celebrating a century of commitment to health, vitality, and positive transformation. For 100 years, we've been at the forefront of wellness, pioneering innovation and shaping the future of holistic health. We invite you to be part of our legacy. Joining New Generation Wellness means becoming a part of a dynamic and successful team that values innovation, collaboration, and exceeding the needs of our customers. Here's to the next 100 years of New Generation Wellness! More importantly, here is to your success!  Position Summary: The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to receive, store, retrieve, and transport inventory and finished goods within NGW's distribution warehouse. This position plays a critical role in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting on-time order fulfillment, and upholding NGW's safety-first culture and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The Forklift Operator is expected to consistently follow established safety procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality standards while working collaboratively with warehouse team members and supervisors.  New operators complete a hands-on safety orientation and equipment evaluation before working independently. All operators are expected to report hazards. Essential Functions and Basic Duties: Safely operate forklifts (including Bendi, stand-up, and sit-down units), pallet jacks, scissor lifts, and other material handling equipment in accordance with OSHA regulations and NGW safety policies.  Receive, verify, and store incoming inventory and packaging supplies in accordance with company SOPs and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Pull, stage, and transport finished goods and materials to designated production, shipping, or storage areas in a timely and accurate manner. Verify item numbers, lot numbers, storage locations, and quantities during put-away and order-pulling to maintain inventory accuracy. Accurately record and track inventory movement using NGW's inventory/warehouse management systems. Inspect pallets, loads, and equipment prior to and during transport; report damage, discrepancies, or mechanical issues to the Warehouse Lead or Supervisor immediately. Maintain clear, organized, and safe aisles and work areas in compliance with warehouse traffic and housekeeping standards. Follow all safety policies and procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to pedestrian and forklift traffic rules. Actively participate in safety meetings, training, and hazard identification and reporting. Perform routine pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and promptly report maintenance needs. Perform other warehouse duties and related tasks as assigned by the Warehouse Lead or Supervisor Qualifications: Education / Certifications: High school diploma or GED required. Must obtain and maintain a valid, OSHA-compliant powered industrial truck (forklift) operator certification through NGW-provided training within 30 days of hire, and must recertify as required by company policy and OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.178).    Required Knowledge: Working knowledge of safe forklift and material handling equipment operation, warehouse safety practices, and basic inventory control procedures. Ability to read and accurately follow written SOPs, batch records, and verbal or written work instructions.     Required Experience: Minimum of one (1+) year of hands-on forklift operation experience in a warehouse or distribution environment required. Must demonstrate a track record of safe equipment operation with no history of preventable safety incidents.    Preferred Experience: Experience in a regulated environment (FDA, GMP, ISO, or cGMP per 21 CFR Part 111). Familiarity with inventory or ERP scanning systems. Prior experience in supplement, food, or pharmaceutical production/distribution. Experience disassembling/reassembling equipment.   Skills / Abilities: The ability to become a certified forklift driver at NGW. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and comfort using a calculator. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Physical Activities and Requirements: Finger Dexterity: Frequently – required to operate equipment controls, use handheld scanners, and complete inventory documentation Talking: Frequently – required to communicate with team members, supervisors, and other departments regarding inventory, safety, and operations. Average Hearing: Frequently – must be able to hear equipment alarms, backup signals, and verbal instructions in an active warehouse environment Repetitive Motions: Frequently – repetitive use of hands, wrists, and arms for equipment operation, scanning, and material handling. Average Visual Abilities: Frequently – required for safe equipment operation, reading labels and lot numbers, and identifying potential hazards Physical Strength: Occasionally – may be required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs., and to sit, stand, bend, twist, reach, and climb in and out of equipment throughout the shift. Working Conditions:   Warehouse and distribution environment with exposure to variable temperatures, noise, dust, and moving equipment and forklift/pedestrian traffic. Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, and the role may periodically involve work near loading dock areas exposed to outdoor conditions. Qualifications