Forklift Operator And Material Handler

Job Title: Forklift Operator and Material Handler

Job Description

This role combines general labor with skilled operation of material handling equipment to support a busy warehouse and production environment. You will move products using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, electric and manual pallet jacks, and work closely with production and shipping teams to stage, load, and organize materials for local and out-of-state deliveries. The position requires frequent heavy lifting, attention to detail, and flexibility to assist in multiple departments throughout the shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts to move products from production areas to designated staging locations for shipment.

• Use electric pallet jacks to load trucks, including inching equipment into trailers, breaking down pallets, and loading boxes into trailers by hand.

• Perform frequent heavy lifting throughout the shift, handling boxes and materials that may be stacked on pallets up to 8 feet tall.

• Support multiple departments such as order pulling, pallet wrapping, loading docks, shipping, and receiving, contributing wherever needed in a collaborative team environment.

• Work closely with production teams to pull products for the lines, ensuring the correct items and quantities are delivered to the appropriate areas.

• Use RF scanners to accurately locate, identify, and record products during picking, packing, shipping, and receiving activities.

• Assist with general warehouse tasks including sorting, packing, kitting, manual pallet jack operation, unloading trucks, and organizing materials.

• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail when pulling orders and staging products to minimize errors and ensure correct shipments.

• Assess, prioritize, and complete tasks in a fast-paced, often changing environment while meeting deadlines and operational requirements.

• Follow written and verbal instructions carefully, adhering to established procedures and safety guidelines.

• Work effectively with others as part of a team while also being able to function independently when required.

• Handle material safely using manual pallet jacks, electric pallet jacks, carts, and various types of forklifts.

• Support both local and out-of-state delivery operations by properly preparing and loading materials for transport.

• Contribute to a culture where all team members assist one another across different areas of the warehouse and production floor.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating sit-down forklifts to move, stage, and load products in a warehouse or production environment.

• Experience operating stand-up reach forklifts to handle pallets and materials stacked at height, including up to 8 feet tall.

• Proficiency using electric pallet jacks to load and unload trailers, including maneuvering equipment into tight spaces and handling boxes by hand.

• Ability to perform heavy lifting throughout the entire shift while maintaining safe lifting practices.

• Hands-on experience with general labor tasks such as loading, unloading, packaging, sorting, and inspection in a warehouse or production setting.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, often changing environment and adapt to shifting priorities.

• Ability to work well with others as part of a team and also function independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong ability to properly assess and prioritize tasks to meet operational goals and deadlines.

• Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions accurately.

• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills to ensure accurate order pulling and product handling.

• Familiarity with RF scanners and the ability to learn or apply RF scanning processes for inventory and order management.

• Experience with material handling equipment including manual pallet jacks, electric pallet jacks, carts, sit-down forklifts, and stand-up forklifts.

• Comfort working in an environment that involves continuous physical activity, including lifting, moving, and organizing materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of RF scanner operation is preferred and will support accurate inventory and order processing.

• Experience in packaging, loading, shipping and receiving, and unloading is advantageous.

• Previous work as a warehouse associate or in material handling roles is a plus.

• Experience with order pulling, sorting, packing, and kitting in a warehouse or distribution environment is helpful.

• Familiarity with multiple forklift brands and models, including sit-down (such as Yale or Toyota) and stand-up reach trucks, is beneficial.

• Ability to contribute positively to a collaborative, team-oriented culture where everyone supports each other across departments.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path from contract to hire, providing long-term stability for high-performing team members. You gain access to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with holiday pay once you become permanent. The organization invests in culture training and ongoing safety and attendance recognition, creating an environment that values continuous improvement, employee well-being, and a strong sense of teamwork.

Work Environment

You will work indoors in a warehouse and manufacturing setting where the temperature often mirrors the conditions outside, so it can feel as cold or as hot as the weather. The environment is active and fast-paced, with frequent movement of materials using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, electric and manual pallet jacks, carts, and RF scanners. Operations support both local and out-of-state deliveries, and team members regularly move between production, loading docks, and general warehouse areas to support overall workflow.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Riverside, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Riverside, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Riverside,CA.

About Aerotek

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.