Forklift/crane Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Forklift / Overhead Crane Operator (1st Shift | Overtime Available)

Shift: 1st Shift (6:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday–Friday)

Pay: $20/hour (Pay increase upon permanent hire)

Industry: Steel Manufacturing / Heavy Industrial

We are hiring a Forklift / Overhead Crane Operator to join our growing steel manufacturing team. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced industrial environment, offering consistent hours, overtime potential, and long-term career growth.

If you have experience with forklifts, overhead cranes, or material handling in manufacturing, this is a great opportunity to build a stable career in a high-demand industry.

• Operate a sit-down CAT forklift to move skids and materials onto production rollers
• Use an overhead crane (single hoist) to transport steel coils and materials safely
• Offload finished products and stage materials for shipment
• Perform banding, wrapping, and packaging of steel coils and products
• Label and tag steel products accurately for inventory and shipping
• Weigh steel loads to ensure accurate shipping documentation
• Palletize finished goods and prepare them for shipment (banding, wrapping, securing loads)
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment
• Support general material handling and production operations

• Experience operating a sit-down forklift in a manufacturing or warehouse environment
• Experience using an overhead crane (single hoist preferred)
• Hands-on experience with banding, packaging, and material handling
• Ability to safely handle steel coils and heavy materials
• Strong attention to detail for labeling, weighing, and shipment prep
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding setting

Work Environment

The role is based in a small steel processing facility with a close-knit team of approximately 20 employees. The operation includes multiple processing centers across the country and a main mill, providing the feel of a small facility with the backing of a larger network. The workplace is non-union and operates primarily on 1st shift, with a smaller 2nd shift team. The facility is climate controlled, but bay doors remain open, which can make it warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. The environment is heavy industrial, with frequent use of sit-down forklifts, overhead cranes, single hoists, and banding and wrapping equipment for steel coils and skids. Standard hours are 1st shift (6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday, with the expectation of overtime during peak seasons, including potential 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. shifts and occasional Saturdays. The company provides all necessary personal protective equipment, including hard hat, ear plugs, safety glasses, and arm sleeves, to promote a safe working environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minooka, IL.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Minooka,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.