Forklift Operator 1st shift

Location:

Chilton, WI, United States
Date Posted:
Feb 20, 2026

Central Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 1st Shift Forklift Operator to join our team in Distribution Center at Kaytee in Chilton, WI. In this role youwill be responsible for accurately picking and preparing orders, unloading trucks, loading trucks, and moving material throughout the facility. This position will also be responsible for some inventory functions including cycle counts.

At Kaytee, you have the opportunity to work with products for birds, hamsters, rabbits and other small animals. We offer a safe, clean work environment with an onsite fitness center and an onsite Health & Wellness clinic for employees and their families. Other benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, free life and disability insurance and a full 3% match on your 401k contributions, along with a yearly profit-sharing bonus.

If you find your skills match the qualifications we are seeking below, we invite you to apply for this position!

• Safely, accurately and efficiently operating a forklift (sit-down/stand-up) and/or handcart.
• Accurately complete RF scanner functions affecting inventory, and paperwork.
• Move product to appropriate storage locations.
• Load trucks (as assigned).
• Unload trucks (as assigned).
• Pick Orders (as assigned).
• Ability to operate a forklift throughout the facility safely.
• Keeps the work area clean and orderly.
• Understand and support the goals and objectives of the department.
• Other tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Responsible for reporting any Food Safety issues to authorized personnel for correction.

• Previous forklift (sit-down/stand-up) or handcart experience (preferred).
• Comfortable with the use of an RF Scanner (will train).
• Must be able to perform basic math skills.
• Must have the ability to lift/handle up to 30 lbs. on a frequent basis.
• Must have the ability to lift/handle 31-60 lbs. on a moderate basis.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently.
• A Kaytee certification in forklift driving is required (will train).
• Ability to communicate effectively with others and work in a team environment.
• Must have solid organizational skills.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.

• Work is performed in a warehouse environment.
• Warehouse temperatures can vary due to outside temperatures.
• Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours (on each respective shift) and average at least 40 hours a week.
• There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave
• On-site Wellness Center
• 24HR on-site gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger.

Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro?, Aqueon?, Best Bully Sticks?, Cadet?, C&S?, Farnam?, Ferry-Morse?, Kaytee?, Nylabone?, Pennington?, Sevin? and Zoёcon?. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.