Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator / Production Associate
Job Description

This role supports daily manufacturing operations in a food production facility by safely and efficiently operating forklifts and production equipment, handling and packaging food products, and maintaining high standards of food safety, quality, and workplace safety. You will work in a fast-paced, temperature-controlled environment and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across various production areas, including preparation, cooking, forming, and packaging or boxing.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts safely and efficiently to move raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods within the production and warehouse areas.
• Perform production tasks such as mixing, assembling, cooking, packaging, labeling, and palletizing food products in accordance with established procedures.
• Work primarily in forming and packaging/boxing areas, while supporting other areas such as prep and cooking as needed.
• Operate and monitor production machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner, promptly reporting any issues or malfunctions.
• Follow production schedules, recipes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent product quality and output.
• Meet or exceed productivity, quality, and yield targets while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Comply with all food safety programs, including HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and sanitation procedures.
• Perform routine quality checks, identify deviations or product defects, and report concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and inventory records to support traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and traceability of ingredients and finished products, including correct labeling and palletizing.
• Follow all WorkSafeBC requirements and company safety policies at all times while operating forklifts and production equipment.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) consistently and correctly throughout the shift.
• Identify and report safety hazards, near misses, or incidents immediately to help maintain a safe workplace.
• Participate actively in safety training sessions and toolbox meetings to stay current on safety practices and expectations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, equipment, and tools in accordance with sanitation and housekeeping standards.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation tasks as assigned, including supporting allergen control and cross-contamination prevention measures.
• Work collaboratively with team members and supervisors to achieve production goals and resolve issues quickly.
• Support continuous improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency initiatives by suggesting and implementing process improvements.
• Assist with the training and onboarding of new employees by demonstrating safe work practices and standard procedures.
• Adapt to changing production priorities, schedules, and tasks while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

Essential Skills

• Ability to safely operate forklifts in a production or warehouse environment, including maneuvering in tight spaces and around equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English to ensure accurate execution of recipes, SOPs, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to product quality and food safety.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, repetitive environment while maintaining focus and accuracy.
• Basic math and record-keeping skills to complete production and quality documentation accurately.
• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 25–50 pounds throughout the shift (with or without accommodation).
• Ability to work in a cooled or cold environment, including temperature-controlled areas around 4 degrees.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks safely and efficiently for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including steel-toe footwear, for the entire shift.
• Comfort working with chicken, beef, pork, and other food ingredients in a production setting.
• Flexibility to work varying start times, including early morning starts, and to move to afternoon, evening, or weekend shifts as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, food production, or warehouse environments is an asset.
• Experience in food preparation, kitchen prep, or similar roles is beneficial.
• Familiarity with food manufacturing processes, including forming, packaging, and boxing operations.
• Knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety programs.
• Experience working in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment.
• Comfort working with production equipment, packaging lines, and palletizing operations.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and development related to safety, quality, and production efficiency.

Why Work Here?

You join a growing food manufacturing operation where you can build practical skills and contribute to a stable, long-term career path. The company offers solid starting pay for production roles, with opportunities to grow as the business expands. You work with a close-knit team of approximately a few dozen colleagues, in an environment that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The organization supports learning on the job, encourages collaboration, and provides the tools and training needed to succeed.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility that operates multiple production areas, including prep, cooking, forming, and packaging or boxing. You work in temperature-controlled environments, including cooled areas around 4 degrees, with regular exposure to food ingredients and production equipment. Shifts may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays, and overtime may be required based on operational needs. Typical start times range from approximately 7:00 . to 9:00 . for an eight-hour shift, with the possibility of moving to afternoon or weekend shifts as business demands. You must wear steel-toe footwear, and the company provides other required personal protective equipment. The dress code follows food manufacturing and GMP standards, including appropriate PPE and hygiene practices. You may need to bring a lock for day-use lockers. The facility emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, and you work closely with a team of around several dozen staff in a structured, production-focused environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, BC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.21 - $21.21/hr.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,BC.

À propos d'Aerotek:

Nous savons qu’il est difficile de trouver du travail, et qu’il est encore plus difficile de trouver un travail enrichissant. Chaque année, Aerotek met en contact plus de 180 000 travailleurs de l’industrie légère et de métiers spécialisés avec plus de 14 000 employeurs, aidant ainsi nos travailleurs à naviguer dans un marché du travail en constante évolution et à trouver des emplois qui correspondent à leurs objectifs, à leurs compétences et à leurs centres d’intérêt. Depuis 1983, nous offrons une variété de possibilités de carrière dans l’industrie nord-américaine, soit des affectations à court terme dans les entreprises du Fortune 500 où vous pouvez développer vos compétences, soit des possibilités à long terme où vous pouvez jouer un rôle important en relevant les défis des entreprises en matière de construction, de fabrication et d’entretien. Notre équipe de plus de 1 500 recruteurs chevronnés, répartis dans plus de 250 bureaux, travaille sans relâche pour permettre à notre main-d’œuvre de s’épanouir. Permettez-nous de nous montrer à la hauteur de vos défis et de mettre à l’épreuve notre philosophie « Notre monde nous tient à cœur » au fur et à mesure que votre carrière évolue.

Aerotek offre un salaire hebdomadaire, des avantages sociaux y compris des soins médicaux, des soins dentaires et des soins de la vue, ainsi qu’un programme d’aide aux employés et un programme de rabais.

La société souscrit au principe d’égalité d’accès à l’emploi et examinera toutes les candidatures sans tenir compte de la race, du sexe, de l’âge, de la couleur, de la religion, de l’origine nationale, du statut de vétéran, de handicap, de l’orientation sexuelle, de l’identité de genre, de l’information génétique ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, employee assistance and discount programs.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.