Dock/Forklift Operator

Job Summary

The Dock/Forklift Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently loading, unloading, staging, and moving plants, materials, supplies, and finished products throughout the greenhouse and shipping areas. This position operates forklifts and other material-handling equipment to support daily production, inventory, shipping, and receiving operations. The Dock/Forklift Operator works closely with the Shipping, Production, Receiving, and other departments to ensure products and materials are moved accurately and efficiently while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment to move plants, carts, racks, pallets, supplies, and other materials throughout the facility.
• Load and unload incoming and outgoing trucks, trailers, and deliveries in a safe and efficient manner.
• Verify products and materials being loaded or unloaded against shipping, receiving, or transfer documentation.
• Stage finished plants and products in designated areas according to shipping schedules and customer orders.
• Move plant material from production areas to shipping, holding, loading, or other designated areas as needed.
• Assist with preparing trucks and trailers for loading, including organizing product to maximize available space while maintaining safe loading practices.
• Safely handle and transport live plant material while minimizing damage to plants, containers, carts, racks, and other products.
• Assist with receiving and organizing incoming materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate awareness of product locations and assist with inventory movement and organization.
• Inspect forklifts and other equipment before use and report maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
• Follow all company safety policies, forklift operating procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable OSHA regulations.
• Maintain clear and safe dock, warehouse, greenhouse, and staging areas by removing debris and keeping walkways and equipment paths unobstructed.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, drivers, and other departments regarding loading schedules, product movement, and operational needs.
• Assist with deliveries, transfers, and other transportation-related activities as needed.
• Work outdoors and in varying greenhouse and weather conditions as required.
• Perform general labor and other duties as assigned to support daily greenhouse and shipping operations.
• Maintain a professional and cooperative working relationship with employees across all departments.
• Report damaged product, equipment issues, safety hazards, or discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor promptly.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are a plus.
• Previous forklift, warehouse, dock, shipping, receiving, or greenhouse experience preferred.
• Previous experience operating a forklift or other material-handling equipment preferred.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift and complete required company training/certification.
• Ability to read and understand basic shipping, receiving, and inventory documentation.
• Ability to safely lift, push, pull, and move materials as required for the position.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, seasonal greenhouse and shipping environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, you will be required to frequently sit, use your hands, lift, pull, lift overhead, walk, stand for long periods of time on concrete, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles (dust and dirt). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.