Forklift Driver – Grain Field Chickens Abattoir, Reitz
Job Overview
Company: VKB Group
Business Unit: Grain Field Chickens – Reitz Abattoir
Division: VKB Agri Processors
Job Title: Forklift Driver
Location: Reitz, Free State
Employment Type: Permanent
Industry: Agriculture
Department: Production
Experience Level: Entry Level
Posted Date: 20 October 2026
Closing Date: 26 October 2026
Salary: Not specified
About the Company
Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, operates in the integrated broiler industry, with an abattoir located in Reitz in the north-eastern Free State. The company offers candidates the opportunity to work in a professional environment within the agricultural and food production sector.
Job Description
The successful candidate will be responsible for operating a forklift with a lifting capacity exceeding 6,000 kg to move, load, unload and stack goods and pallets. The role involves supporting warehouse, production and dispatch operations while ensuring that stock is handled safely, accurately and efficiently in accordance with company procedures.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Operate forklifts safely to move raw materials, finished goods and stock.
Conduct pre-use forklift inspections and complete the required checklists before each shift.
Load and unload trucks safely and accurately.
Transport materials between production, storage and dispatch areas.
Stack, store and retrieve products in designated warehouse locations.
Report forklift defects and maintenance requirements.
Assist truck drivers with timely unloading of vehicles.
Support picking, staging, loading, unloading, stock rotation and storage activities.
Assist with repacking sales orders and preparing orders for dispatch.
Ensure loads are secure, balanced and transported without damage.
Assist with stock control, inventory counts and stock rotation.
Complete delivery notes, picking slips and other relevant documentation accurately.
Follow warehouse procedures and occupational health and safety regulations.
Immediately report damaged stock, shrinkage, accidents, near misses and unsafe working conditions.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
Valid forklift operator licence or certificate.
Two to three years of forklift operating experience in a warehouse, logistics or manufacturing environment.
Good understanding of warehouse operations and inventory movement.
Physical fitness to perform duties involving frequent lifting, bending and standing.
Willingness to work overtime, shifts and weekends when required.
Candidates must also be comfortable working in an environment that may involve loud noise, dust, extreme temperatures, moving machinery and production equipment.
Skills and Competencies
Safe forklift operating practices.
Knowledge of warehouse and dispatch procedures.
Stock handling and inventory control.
Loading and unloading techniques.
Understanding of health and safety requirements.
Basic equipment inspections and preventative maintenance checks.
Ability to read delivery notes, picking slips and stock documentation.
Good communication and teamwork skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong time-management and organisational skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict production and dispatch deadlines.