Forklift Operator - 3rd Shift, 6pm-5am

Forklift Operator (3rd Shift)

Join a Growing Industry Leader

Grow your career with Thrive Freeze Dry as we continue expanding and work toward becoming the world's largest freeze-dry manufacturer.

Conveniently located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, we are hiring immediately for a full-time Forklift Operator position.

Position Details

• Position: Forklift Operator
• Location: Ryan Road & I-94, Oak Creek, WI
• Shift: 3rd Shift
• Schedule: Monday - Thursday OR Tuesday - Friday, 6:00pm - 5:00am
• Starting Pay: $22.50 to $23.50 per hour
• Reports To: Warehouse Manager

Thrive Freeze Dry Values

• Lead with Integrity
• Treat People Well
• Chase Big Goals
• Do What Matters Most
• Win Together
• Learn & Grow

Job Summary

The Forklift Operator plays a critical role in ensuring products are safely and efficiently transported throughout our production and warehouse facilities. The ideal candidate is committed to food safety and quality, seeks opportunities for continuous improvement, and thrives in a fast-paced team environment.

This position is responsible for receiving, storing, moving, and shipping materials while maintaining inventory accuracy, product quality, and safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely transport, stage, and load freeze-dried materials throughout production and warehouse facilities using forklifts.
• Verify and maintain records of incoming and outgoing shipments through shipping documentation and the ERP system.
• Prepare materials for production and shipment while meeting quality and productivity standards.
• Identify products and lot codes accurately.
• Compare counts, weights, measurements, and identifying information against bills of lading, orders, and other records.
• Store or stage products in designated warehouse locations.
• Verify temperatures of all incoming products.
• Determine labeling requirements and accurately assemble, pack, and label product containers.
• Operate forklifts and other equipment safely while meeting productivity expectations.
• Inspect incoming shipments, route materials appropriately, document shortages, and report damaged items.
• Maintain inventory of shipping materials and warehouse supplies.
• Understand and follow quality standards, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Utilize safety procedures and equipment, including lockout/tagout practices when required.
• Support food safety, quality, and sanitation initiatives by following company policies and procedures.
• Assist in ensuring food safety, quality objectives, and SQF requirements are met when acting as backup for the Lead.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

✅ High school diploma or GED required.

✅ Minimum of one year of forklift operating experience or experience operating similar material-handling equipment.

✅ Forklift certification required (certification may be obtained through an authorized Thrive Freeze Dry trainer).

✅ Basic computer skills required.

✅ Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

✅ Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

✅ Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

✅ Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials.

✅ Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

✅ Demonstrate fine motor and finger dexterity.

✅ Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods throughout the shift.

✅ Lift up to 40 pounds.

✅ Work in a food manufacturing environment with frequent temperature variations.

✅ Maintain adequate visual and hearing abilities to ensure workplace safety.

✅ Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures.

The work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with frequent temperature variations. Adequate visual and hearing abilities are required to maintain a safe workplace.

Food Safety Requirements

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to food safety, quality, and sanitation by following all Thrive Freeze Dry policies and procedures.
• Hold yourself and others accountable for maintaining food safety standards.
• Report any food safety concerns, incidents, observations, or improvement opportunities to leadership.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and SQF requirements when serving as backup to the Lead.

Product Safety and Quality Responsibilities

• Follow all food safety, quality, and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Report food safety or quality concerns, observations, and improvement opportunities promptly.
• Adhere to all Product Safety and Quality standards.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) related to food-contact packaging and material handling.
• Support compliance with Thrive Freeze Dry's food safety, product defense, and quality programs, including SQF system requirements.