Job Description

Title: Forklift Maintenance Mechanic

Classification: Non-exempt

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Forklift Maintenance Mechanic plays a critical role within the warehouse operations team, supporting the functionality of the distribution center, including both refrigerated and dry storage areas used for produce and perishable goods. This position is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of all material handling equipment (MHE), including forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks. The mechanic ensures all equipment operates efficiently and safely to support uninterrupted warehouse operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair material handling equipment (gas, propane, diesel, and electric-powered).
• Perform preventative maintenance on forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks, and order pickers to ensure minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Maintain and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, including brakes, motors, batteries, lift cylinders, controls, and chargers.
• Conduct battery maintenance and watering schedules for electric lift equipment.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all maintenance work, repairs, and parts inventory through work orders or CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Perform regular safety inspections on all equipment and report any unsafe conditions or necessary repairs immediately.
• Troubleshoot issues quickly and develop cost-effective repair solutions to support ongoing warehouse operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper storage of tools and parts.
• Respond to emergency repair requests and provide support during breakdowns to ensure timely resumption of operations.
• Support seasonal readiness by ensuring all MHE is maintained and prepared for higher-demand periods.
• Collaborate with warehouse and safety teams to ensure equipment is operating according to OSHA and company safety standards.
• May assist with minor facility maintenance as needed (e.g., dock doors, racking, lighting in MHE zones). 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with expertise in diagnosing and repairing electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems on various types of material handling equipment (MHE).
• In-depth knowledge of forklift systems (propane, diesel, and electric), including stand-up reach trucks, pallet jacks, and order pickers.
• Understanding of OSHA safety regulations and proper maintenance procedures for equipment operating in temperature-controlled warehouse environments.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting technical manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Proficient in using diagnostic tools and equipment to troubleshoot complex issues.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance programs and ability to keep accurate maintenance records using CMMS or manual tracking.
• Familiar with battery maintenance procedures, including watering schedules, charger settings, and safe handling.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and develop cost-effective repair solutions quickly.
• Ability to work efficiently in cold storage environments and adapt to changing priorities or urgent repair needs.
• Basic knowledge of facility maintenance is a plus (e.g., dock equipment, racking systems, minor electrical or plumbing repairs).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for reporting issues, completing documentation, and coordinating warehouse operations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience as a forklift or material handling equipment technician.
• Proficient in troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs across multiple forklift brands and types (Toyota, Crown, Raymond, Hyster, etc.).
• Strong understanding of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
• Familiarity with warehouse safety protocols, especially in cooler or temperature-controlled environments.
• Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.
• Must be able to work in cold environments (coolers/freezers) and varying temperatures for extended periods.
• Willingness to work overtime and be on-call for emergency repairs.
• Able to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 40 lbs safely.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Physical Demands:

• Warehouse includes temperature-controlled zones (coolers, freezers, and dry areas).
• Physical demands include walking, standing, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces or elevated platforms.
• Use of PPE required (gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, etc.).  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a Non-Exempt Level Position; Monday – Friday, 7:00am-4:00pm; flexibility to work nights and weekends; schedule would be based on business necessity and coordinated through the reporting supervisor. 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.

As of 2022, Vallarta counts on 53 stores throughout California (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Orange, and Fresno counties), and more than 8,000 team members. The Gonzalez family promises to continue to strive for excellence in everything we do so that our valued customers always have a Vallarta supermarket to call their own.From one small carnicería in Van Nuys in 1985 to 53 full-service markets across California, Vallarta Supermarkets is a living, breathing tribute to the hard work and customer dedication of our founding family and all of our valued employees.Vallarta Supermarkets was founded by Enrique Gonzalez Sr., who was later joined in the business by his four brothers, his son and nephew. Their family roots and humble origins began in the tiny town of Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, where Enrique and his brothers were raised on a meager farm. Their parents instilled in them at very young ages the importance of family and the power of a strong work ethic to overcome challenges.When the opportunity arose to immigrate in the 1960’s, the Gonzalez family was thankful to stake their claim in the “land of opportunity,” the United States of America. Right away, the five brothers got to work in restaurants, either as short-order cooks or bussing tables. Even though some of the brothers were still in school, they all worked to help the family make ends meet.In 1985, Enrique Gonzalez Sr. began his journey in the grocery business when he opened Carniceria Vallarta in a 1,000 sq. ft market in Van Nuys, CA. He focused on selling the traditional cuts of meats popular in his native Mexico with an emphasis on unequaled quality and the friendliest of customer service. He soon expanded the business to a second location and brought his four brothers into the business. From there the adventure truly began, as they worked together as a family to build both a reputation for excellence and a successful business.The Gonzalez brothers believed that the key to Vallarta’s success would be to combine elevated customer service with the highest quality products to serve the growing Hispanic community whose needs may not be addressed by big chain stores.That’s why, from the beginning, Vallarta Supermarkets offered a wider variety of the freshest, traditional foods from Mexico, and Central and South America than any other store. They offered specialty and traditional items customers couldn’t find anywhere else: cut-to-order Latin-style meats (ranchera, diesmillo, lomo de res), spices, fresh fruit and produce, delicious prepared foods, pan dulce made daily, plus everything else you would expect from a traditional grocery store. Fast forward to today where Vallarta has expanded its offerings to include a juice and aquas frescas bar, tortilleria, bakery (panaderia), a cevicheria and more.

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