Yard/gate Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Yard and Gate Operator Job Description

The Yard and Gate Operator coordinates the movement of truck chassis and trailers in a busy yard environment, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate check-in, inspection, and placement of equipment. Using a gate application on an iPad, this role documents trailer conditions, uploads photos and SKUs, and directs units to the correct areas, including damaged equipment zones. The position is primarily outdoors, involves frequent operation of a large forklift and yard equipment, and requires strong communication skills, basic mechanical awareness, and the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced logistics setting.

• Coordinate the flow of truck chassis and trailers entering and exiting the yard to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Use a gate application on an iPad to perform in-gate and out-gate moves, document trailer and chassis condition, and upload photos and SKUs.
• Conduct basic ingate inspections to identify visible damages and repairs needed on trailers and chassis.
• Direct equipment to appropriate areas in the yard, including damaged equipment zones and repair shop support areas.
• Operate a large sit-down forklift, including a 36-ton unit, to move chassis, trailers, and other heavy equipment as needed.
• Drive heavy lift equipment and yard tractors as required to support repair shop and yard operations.
• Assist with structural repairs that require welding and torch use once trained.
• Support FMCSA and BIT safety inspections after receiving training, following established safety and compliance procedures.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with outside vendors, drivers, and internal team members to coordinate yard activity.
• Maintain strong customer-facing interactions, ensuring drivers and clients receive clear instructions and timely updates.
• Keep trucks off the street and manage yard flow to prevent traffic backups, especially during peak busy periods.
• Apply problem-solving skills to address issues independently while knowing when to ask questions or escalate concerns.
• Use basic computer skills to navigate the gate app and other systems for logging, documentation, and reporting.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail when inspecting equipment and recording information.
• Participate actively in monthly safety meetings and contribute feedback to improve yard and shop safety practices.
• Work collaboratively with a small, tight-knit team, supporting colleagues and sharing responsibilities as needed.
• Use and maintain basic personal tools such as sockets, wrenches, and impact guns required for daily tasks.
• Perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to varying workload based on logistics and cargo flow.

• Strong ability to perform under pressure and remain calm and effective during very busy periods with high truck traffic.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to coordinate with outside vendors, drivers, and internal team members.
• Customer-facing experience with a professional and approachable personality when dealing with clients and drivers.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple trucks, trailers, and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced yard environment.
• Comfort operating a large sit-down forklift, including a 36-ton unit, and willingness to operate heavy equipment regularly.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to identify obvious issues or damage on trailers and chassis during ingate inspections.
• Basic computer skills to operate a gate application on an iPad and perform data entry, photo uploads, and documentation.
• Attention to detail when inspecting equipment, documenting conditions, and directing units to the correct areas.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while knowing when to ask questions or seek guidance.
• Willingness to work outdoors in a dirty, industrial yard environment in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team with a collaborative, family-style culture.
• Ownership of basic tools such as sockets, wrenches, and impact guns required for daily tasks.

• Experience operating forklifts, especially large-capacity or 36-ton sit-down forklifts, is highly beneficial.
• Experience with chassis or trailer mechanics, general labor, or yard operations is a strong plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning structural repairs, including welding and torch work, with provided training.
• Willingness to learn and conduct FMCSA and BIT safety inspections with on-the-job training.
• Comfort driving heavy lift equipment and yard tractors in support of shop and yard operations.
• Ability to handle behavioral and situational questions about past stressful situations and problem-solving experiences.
• Openness to continuous training and skill development through partnerships with technical and machinist institutes.
• Reliability and accountability in maintaining safety, cleanliness, and organization within the yard and small shop environment.

You will join a team-oriented environment where everyone, including leadership, participates in day-to-day yard operations and supports each other. The organization offers room for growth, with clear examples of internal advancement and development from hands-on roles into leadership. You will benefit from full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), annual merit increases, and structured yearly reviews. The company partners with a machinists institute to create additional training opportunities, including welding and mechanical skill development, supporting your long-term career growth. The culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and a family-like atmosphere where every team member has a voice, particularly in regular safety meetings.

The work environment is a busy outdoor yard and small shop setting where operations continue rain or shine. You will work around large equipment, including a 36-ton sit-down forklift, heavy lifts, yard tractors, and truck chassis and trailers. The yard can be dirty and industrial, with frequent movement of vehicles and equipment, requiring consistent attention to safety. Workload varies with logistics and cargo flow, with peak activity typically in the summer and during high shipping seasons. The facility includes a comfortable break room, locker rooms, and computer rooms to support daily operations and team needs. Monthly safety meetings involve all team members and encourage open discussion and feedback. A basic tool set—such as sockets, wrenches, and impact guns—is required for the role, and appropriate work attire suitable for an outdoor, industrial environment is expected.

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Seattle,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.