Home Job Listing Apply for a job near you!

Join the Vallarta Team Apply for a job near you!

Forklift Maint. Mech

Store:   Sylmar, Produce Warehouse Distribution Center Map

Wage: $23.00 - $28.00

Type: Full-time

Description

Title: Forklift Maintenance Mechanic

Classification: Non-exempt

Supervisors Title: Vice President, Asset Protection & Security

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 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, 8:00am-5:00pm; 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.

Vallarta Supermarkets is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and will consider all qualified applicants for employment in accordance with all state, local, and federal laws. Vallarta Supermarkets participates in the E-Verify program.

Apply Now

Privacy Notice (CCPA)

VALLARTA SUPERMARKETS

NOTICE TO JOB APPLICANTS (1/1/2023)

California Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”)/California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”)

This notice explains to you, pursuant to the California Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”)/California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), how Vallarta Supermarkets, and related entities, (the Company), may collect your information in relation to your application for potential employment with the Company.

  1. Personal Information

For purposes of this notice, “Personal Information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular California resident or household, or as otherwise defined under the CCPA/CPRA, including consumers, employees, and job applicants.

“Personal Information” does not include certain information, including publicly available information lawfully made available from government records, deidentified or aggregate information, or other information excepted under the CCPA/CPRA.

  1. Information We Collect about Applicants

We need you to provide certain information in order for you to complete your application for employment with the Company. The following provides the categories of Personal Information we may collect about applicants as part of the application process, and/or our employees if ultimately hired.

  1. Personal Identifiers. We may collect your name, driver’s license or state identification card number, passport number or other government identification number (including U.S. work authorization number), Social Security information, residence/postal address, email address(es), phone number(s), and other contact information during the application and recruitment process. We may collect your emergency contact information as well. If you are hired, we may collect additional personal identifiers about you to facilitate the employment relationship.
  1. Characteristics of Protected Classifications under California or Federal law. We may collect your age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, sex/gender, and marital status.
  1. Biometric Information. We may collect your fingerprints to facilitate the employment relationship, if you are hired, and required as part of the hiring/employment process.
  1. Professional or Employment-Related Information. Depending on your role/duties with the Company, we may collect information regarding your criminal history, driving history, and credit history as part of our employment background check. We also collect information regarding your professional and employment history and other qualifications you provide in your employment application, including references, skills/abilities, employment goals and expectations, and other related information (if you choose to provide them).
  1. Education Information. We collect information regarding your professional and education history to the extent provided in your resume/application.
  1. Thermal or other Health-Related Information. If you apply in-person or come to our worksite(s) as part of the application process, we may need to take your temperature or other similar information as part of our health protection policies. However, this information is not retained, and will only be obtained if required by law.
  1. Additional Information.  We may gather information about your potential employment with the Company, such as the company location/facility to which you are assigned, position and description of duties, fulltime and part-time status, pay rate, as well as descriptions about your job performance and skills. 
  1. Purposes for Collection of Your Personal Information

We use the above categories of personal information for the following business purpose(s):

  1. To make recruitment and employment decisions, including assessing your application and qualifications for employment with us.
  2. To conduct and verify background checks (where applicable).
  3. If hired, to facilitate onboarding, payroll, benefit, and leave of absence administration
  4. For security purposes.
  5. To obtain and/or maintain insurance policies and coverage.
  6. To comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  7. To manage workers’ compensation claims and conduct workplace investigations.
  1. Third-Party Collection of Personal Information

The Company may use third-party vendors, such as Alliance Background, to facilitate the application process for applicants. In this process, these third parties may collect an applicant’s personal information and provide it to us for employment decisions.

  1. Additional CCPA/CPRA Disclosures

At this time, the CCPA/CPRA does not afford applicants or employees the right to make requests regarding their Personal Information as it relates to the application and/or employment relationship. This does not affect other rights you may have under other laws.

Further, nothing in this notice restricts the Company’s rights or ability to:

  1. Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  2. Meet any other legal obligation, including complying with lawful inquiries, investigations, subpoenas, court orders, or other requirements of applicable lawful authorities.
  3. Exercise its legal rights and defend claims.
  4. Report potentially unlawful activity to appropriate law enforcement and cooperate in any resulting investigation.
  5. Detect and respond to unauthorized activity and security incidents.
  6. Protect against and report potential illegal activity and/or fraud; or
  7. Provide information to our service providers in relation to the above listed purposes, or transfer information as part of a merger, acquisition, or other transfer of some or all of our business to another party.