Forklift Operator-Cocoa Ranch

A Duda & Sons, Inc., a diversified land management company operating for over 92 years, is currently seeking a Fork Lift Operator for its Cocoa Ranch Sod Farm in Viera, FL (Melbourne, FL area). Starting out as a humble celery farm in 1926, DUDA’s business operations today include Duda Farm Fresh Foods, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of celery and other quality fresh and fresh-cut vegetables and citrus; The Viera Company, a highly regarded community developer with fully-integrated real estate operations including Viera Builders, a residential home builder; as well as Duda Ranches, manager of DUDA’s agricultural operations including sod, sugarcane, citrus and cattle.

The Fork Lift Operator will be responsible for operating a heavy duty, straight mast forklift. Load sod pallets on flat bed semi-trucks, small trucks and trailers. Accompany FireFly harvesters and load empty pallets to refill pallet magazines. Candidate must be willing to drive Mower, Tractor and Harvester as needed. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday 6 am to 5 pm with some opportunities to work weekends. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. 

Job Requirements:

• Check all equipment fluid levels weekly. Ensure all grease fittings have adequate grease levels. Clean forklift and fuel daily.  
• Ensure all equipment safety features are functioning properly before operating. Responsible for ensuring that the forklift seatbelt is worn when operating. Ensure safe travel speeds between harvest areas and breaks are functioning properly.  
• Travel to each designated harvest area and load sod pallets onto customer vehicles.  Take every precaution to avoid damaging customer semi-trucks, small trucks and trailers.  Provide a daily dispatch and invoices to each forklift operator.  Check both the daily dispatch and each invoice before loading each customer.  
• Change implements for cultivating, and spraying
• Abide by company work rules and safety rules
• Experience with GPS guided equipment or precision agriculture - a plus

Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of one year operating a straight mast forklift. Five years preferred.
• OSHA certification
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Moderate amount of walking and bending required

Working Conditions:

• Work is mainly outdoors in farm fields, typically over un-even terrain. 
• Workers will be exposed to outdoor elements.
• Each harvest area is highly active with worker and vehicular traffic.  Must be aware of his/her surroundings at all times. Cellphone usage, listening devices and all forms of electronic personal devices are prohibited while operating equipment.
• The forklift operator is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours/week but will be expected to work Sundays during periods of high product demand.
• Employee must be prepared to participate in other assigned duties such as harvest area cleanup and hand labor duties.

All applicants must be able to pass a physical, drug test, and criminal background check. The individual should have a great attitude and the ability to learn new things while keeping the interest of our company a priority.  We offer an excellent benefit package as part of our total compensation including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holiday pay and much more. For more information about A Duda and Sons, Inc., please visit our website www.duda.com.

EOE. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online or in-person between 8:00 am-2:00 pm at: 10002 North Wickham Road Melbourne, FL 32940 (at the end of Wickham Rd)