Forklift Operator - Hiring for 1st & Split Shift

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we’re imagining that future today.

We work onsite with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.

Whisker runs two daily shifts (Caine Warehouse):

1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Split Shift: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Overtime and weekend work may be required.

What You’ll Do:

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently loading/unloading materials, staging materials, maintaining inventory organization, and maintaining inventory accuracy. This role requires you to be forklift certified.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Safely operate material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks) in accordance with company policies and a zero-incident safety culture
• Perform and document pre-shift Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) inspections; promptly report defects or maintenance needs to supervision
• Maintain valid forklift/PIT certification and follow all OSHA and company safety regulations at all times
• Load and unload trailers, containers, and trucks safely, ensuring proper weight distribution and secure handling of materials
• Verify incoming and outgoing shipments for accuracy, including part numbers, quantities, and documentation
• Transport, stage, and deliver materials to production lines and storage areas in a timely and efficient manner
• Support inventory control processes, including cycle counts, stock checks, and accurate material transactions
• Pick, pack, label, and stage orders to meet customer and production requirements while ensuring product protection
• Monitor material levels at lineside and replenish inventory to prevent production downtime
• Assist in organizing warehouse and storage areas to optimize space utilization and material flow
• Collaborate with Shipping, Receiving, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams to ensure accurate and efficient material movement
• Communicate clearly with supervisors, team members, and external partners (e.g., truck drivers, suppliers) to coordinate activities
• Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency while maintaining safety, quality, and accuracy standards
• Participate in shift meetings and team huddles to stay aligned on daily goals, priorities, and production targets
• Adapt to changing production demands, schedules, and priorities; move between areas and tasks as needed
• Participate in cross-training activities to support multiple roles within the materials and warehouse operations
• Support 5S and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Properly use and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times
• Build positive working relationships and contribute to a team-oriented, respectful workplace
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

What You’ll Bring:

• Manufacturing or warehouse experience preferred
• Previous forklift experience a plus; training/certification can be provided
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods of time
• Ability to follow instructions and safely use hand and power tools
• Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity preferred
• Positive attitude with a strong work ethic
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work efficiently
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced production or warehouse environment
• Willingness to learn, cross-train, and support multiple areas as needed
• Basic math and reading skills for counting, labeling, and verifying shipments
• Experience with RF scanners, warehouse management systems (WMS), or inventory systems (preferred)
• Strong attention to safety and situational awareness in a warehouse environment
• Reliable problem-solving skills and the ability to react quickly to changing priorities
• Basic computer or tablet skills for tracking inventory and completing tasks
• Commitment to following quality standards and accuracy in all tasks
• able attendance and punctuality

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands outlined below represent those that a Team Member must meet to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The Team Member frequently uses their hands to handle or feel objects and occasionally stands, walks, and reaches with their hands and arms. The Team Member must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Benefits & Purrks:

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top-of-the-line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing Education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity:

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.

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