Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

This role focuses on accurately picking customer orders, replenishing inventory, and supporting shipping activities in a fast-paced warehouse environment. You will operate reach trucks and stand-up forklifts, use RF scan guns to ensure precise inventory control, and work closely with team members to maintain efficient and accurate order fulfillment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain at least 99% picking accuracy when fulfilling customer orders using RF scanners.
• Complete order picks within assigned timeframes while following all location, product code, lot number, and quantity requirements.
• Sustain consistent productivity levels within the assigned warehouse zone.
• Perform timely replenishment (reverse picking) of designated locations with finished goods within required time standards.
• Ensure 100% accuracy in product placement and documentation during replenishment activities.
• Support order picking, replenishing, shipping activities, and daily assignments as directed by supervisors.
• Operate reach trucks and stand-up forklifts safely and efficiently for material handling, picking, and staging orders.
• Use RF scan guns to track inventory movements and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Adhere fully to all company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and warehouse procedures, maintaining zero policy violations.
• Communicate effectively with warehouse personnel and supervisors to support a smooth workflow and on-time order fulfillment.
• Proactively report issues, delays, or inventory discrepancies through established communication channels.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to meet production and accuracy goals.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and ensure tasks are completed according to guidelines.
• Support additional tasks and cross-training needs as required to assist overall warehouse operations.

Essential Skills

• In-depth, firsthand knowledge and experience as a forklift operator, including reach truck and stand-up forklift operation.
• Hands-on experience with order picking responsibilities in a warehouse environment.
• Proficiency using RF scan guns for inventory management and order picking.
• Experience with material handling, inventory control, and staging orders for shipment.
• Ability to use desktop applications, including MS Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, MS Word, and MS Excel.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to interpret, understand, follow, and clearly communicate instructions.
• Ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Flexibility to work weekends and extended periods of time when needed.
• Strong initiative, self-confidence, good organizational skills, and excellent time management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bi-lingual (Spanish) skills are a plus but not required.
• Previous experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse environment.
• Comfort using warehouse management systems integrated with MS Dynamics 365 F&O.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all inventory and picking activities.
• Willingness to be cross-trained to support multiple functions within the warehouse.

Why Work Here?

You will join a family-owned organization that creates educational products and truly believes in promoting from within. The company offers strong job security by sharing facilities with a sister organization and cross-training employees to support multiple operations. You can expect a supportive culture that values growth, internal development, and the opportunity to build a long-term career in a stable and collaborative environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a clean, large warehouse environment that operates at a very fast pace, with over 100 people working on the same shift. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with overtime that may start as early as 5:00 a.m. when needed. The role involves frequent use of reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, RF scan guns, and desktop applications to support daily operations. The environment is highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a busy distribution setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.