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Class 1 Driver

Frind Estate Winery
4 hours ago
On-site
West Kelowna, BC, Canada
Indeed

We are looking for a reliable and safety-focused Class 1 Driver to join the team at Frind Winery Ltd. and help keep our wine and fruit moving efficiently throughout the Okanagan Valley. This year-round, hands-on role involves transporting finished wine between our winery, warehouses, and partner sites, as well as hauling grapes from the vineyard to the crush pad during harvest. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who works well independently, takes initiative, and can plan and manage their day with minimal supervision. Flexibility is especially important during harvest, when schedules are driven by fruit ripeness and changing operational needs. The successful candidate will play an important role in keeping our harvest operations running safely, smoothly, and on schedule. Key Responsibilities Finished Wine Transportation (Year-Round) Transport cased and palletized wine between the winery, bottling facility, warehouses, retail locations, and partner facilities throughout the Okanagan. Safely load, secure, transport, and unload wine products to prevent breakage, shifting, and temperature-related damage, including protecting product from excessive heat and freezing conditions. Verify pickups and deliveries against bills of lading, transfer documents, and inventory counts; promptly report any shortages, discrepancies, or damage. Complete deliveries according to schedule and communicate any delays or changes with dispatch and receiving locations. Harvest Grape Hauling (Approximately September–November) Transport harvested grapes in bins or gondolas from company-owned and grower vineyards to the crush pad, often requiring early starts and short-notice pickups. Coordinate with vineyard crews and the cellar team regarding picking schedules, bin counts, loading requirements, and weigh tickets. Safely operate vehicles on narrow vineyard and orchard roads, steep grades, and unpaved or uneven terrain. Maintain an efficient flow of harvested grapes to the winery by minimizing the time grapes remain in the field or exposed to direct sunlight. Safety, Compliance & Equipment Care Complete and document required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and promptly report any defects or safety concerns. Maintain accurate hours-of-service records, including logbooks or electronic logging device (ELD) records, as required. Comply with load securement requirements, vehicle weight restrictions, and all applicable British Columbia commercial vehicle regulations. Maintain clean and orderly trucks and trailers, report maintenance requirements, and perform basic vehicle checks and upkeep, including fluid and tire inspections. Follow WorkSafeBC requirements and all company health, safety, food-safety, and sanitation procedures, including proper cleaning and sanitation of bins and trailers. Equipment & General Operations Operate a forklift to safely load, unload, move, and stage pallets, bins, and other materials. Operate a tractor for bin movements and vineyard support activities when trained and required. Assist with warehouse, yard, cellar, or other operational activities during slower transportation periods or as required. Other duties as required. Skills and Qualifications: Valid BC Class 1 driver's licence with air brake endorsement (or equivalent from another province, transferable to BC) in good standing. Minimum 2 years of Class 1 driving experience, including tractor-trailer work. Solid knowledge of pre-trip inspections, load securement and hours-of-service rules. Proven ability to work independently under minimal supervision: plan routes, manage time and solve problems on the road. Willingness to operate a 5 tonne and pickup truck and trailer when needed. Adaptable and calm under pressure. Clear communicator by phone and text with dispatch, vineyard crews and customers. Physically able to climb in and out of equipment, secure loads and lift up to [23 kg / 50 lb] repeatedly. Available for early mornings, weekends. Long days and overti…

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