Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

The Entry Level Forklift Operator - General Warehouse Laborer is a dual-function warehouse role responsible for operating a sit-down forklift to safely move pallets and materials throughout the facility, while also manually sorting pallets by type and condition to meet company standards. This position plays a critical role in maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting production flow, and ensuring pallet quality. Ideal candidates are safety-minded, dependable, and comfortable with repetitive physical tasks in a fast-paced environment. Forklift certification is provided on-site — no prior experience required.

Pay Rate:

• Range: $17.50 - $21.75 an hour
• Day Shift: $17.50 an hour
• Night Shift: $18.75 an hour
• Guaranteed Progression: 50-cent per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role

Work Schedule:

• A1 Shift: 5:00 am to 1:30 pm (Sunday thru Thursday)
• B1 Shift: 5:00 am to 1:30 pm (Tuesday thru Saturday)
• B2 Shift: 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm (Tuesday thru Saturday)

Here's What We Offer:

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings (max $1,500 weekly) for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases.
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You'll Be Doing:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Manager, the Forklift Driver is responsible for operating and maintaining a sit-down forklift to move and organize pallets within a warehouse environment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating a sit-down (electric) forklift to move pallets in and out of trailers and designated areas.
• Performing daily safety inspections of the forklift.
• Refueling or charging forklift tanks as needed.
• Verifying and completing load documentation (paper or digital).
• Moving pallets with accuracy and maintaining clear records.
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
• Following all safety policies and procedures.
• Supporting other general warehouse functions as needed.
• Adapting to new schedules, team structures, or tasks based on operational needs.

What We're Looking For:

• No prior forklift experience required – we train and certify on-site.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to lift 70–100 lbs throughout the day.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Must pass PLA forklift certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting and moving heavy materials regularly throughout the shift (e.g., lumber, pallets).
• Comfortable working in a warehouse environment that may include varying temperatures, noise, and dust.
• Requires good manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity for operating tools, handling materials, and inspecting pallet quality.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions in a noisy environment, as well as alarms and equipment sounds.
• Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for detailed work, reading measurements, identifying defects, and operating machinery safely.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a warehouse environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

PLA Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request, by contacting Hiring@PLASolutions.com. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request. Furthermore, our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is articulated in our public commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. We are deeply invested in attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent across our company.