Forklift Operator at Greenwood Associates Inc. – Northlake, Illinois

Greenwood Associates Inc. is a family owned and operated distributor of natural fruit and vegetable juice concentrates, purees, and essential oils, proudly serving the food and beverage industry since 1974. With over 50 years of experience, Greenwood provides high quality products, custom blending, packaging, and logistics solutions to customers across North America.

Rooted in strong relationships and a people first culture, Greenwood values teamwork, accountability, and long term growth. As a stable, multi generation business, we empower employees to make an impact, build lasting partnerships, and grow their careers in an environment that values integrity and collaboration.

Reporting to the Warehouse Supervisor, the Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a power forklift truck in freezer, refrigerator, and loading dock environments to handle inbound and outbound shipments of drums, pails, boxes, and other containers of processed fruit products. This is a full-time, at-will, non-exempt hourly position.

Locations: May be required to report at either location; Northlake, IL or Niles, IL

Shift: Monday-Friday, flexible start time between 5:30AM-7:00AM, with occasional overtime

Key responsibilities:

• Operate a power forklift truck to consolidate and prepare product for storage and/or shipment; load and unload trucks at the company’s loading dock
• Organize certificates of analysis, bills of lading, and other shipping or receiving documents
• Operate a sit down or high lift forklift truck to move products in a freezer or refrigerated warehouse
• Ensure the accuracy, quality, and safety of incoming and outgoing goods by following defined procedures to inspect vehicles and materials to confirm that product and packaging is received and maintained in accordance with applicable policies and standards
• Make equipment adjustments as necessary and perform routine maintenance of the equipment including diagnoses of minor equipment issues or malfunctions
• Become proficient in multiple warehouse and dock functions and processes to engage in various roles across facility and provide backup to other personnel
• Participate in training sessions, plant meetings, teams, and committees
• Ensure proper time keeping and leave approval per company policies

Benefits Offered:

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Accident/Critical Illness Insurance

Generous PTO Accrual

Paid Holidays

• Previous experience with warehousing or loading dock preferred, food or beverage facility experience a plus
• Training and certification to operate “sit-down” and “high-lift” forklifts preferred; training available
• Basic math skills and reading comprehension, including ability to communicate, read, write, and comprehend standard operating procedures, policies, and instructions
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately and efficiently multitask while working in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility in working hours as needed by the operation, including overtime as necessary

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to use close vision and peripheral vision to identify product, label, container, and equipment issues; physically lift and handle up to 60-pound pails, packages, and containers; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects and/or tools; bend, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods performing repetitive motions
• Ability to tolerate exposure to temperature changes and varying noise levels, including at freezer and refrigerator temperatures for extended periods of time (equipped with appropriate cold weather outer wear and other PPE)