Forklift Operator

Material Handler / Forklift Operator – 1st Shift

This Material Handler / Forklift Operator role supports daily warehouse operations for a construction and electrical supply distributor. The position is a mix of forklift operation and hands-on material handling, helping ensure products are accurately received, staged, and prepared for delivery. This is a physically active role, but not heavy labor — most material movement is done using forklifts or pallet jacks.

This is a new opening due to an upcoming facility relocation.

Shifts Available

• 2 openings: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• 1 opening: 5:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Pay

• $18–$22/hour
• Pay is flexible based on experience
• Merit-based increases available over time

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift to move, stage, and organize materials throughout the warehouse
• Perform general material handling duties when off the forklift, including use of pallet jacks
• Receive, identify, label, and store incoming materials accurately
• Pull and verify materials for orders and internal requests
• Prepare materials for shipment by staging and securing product
• Maintain inventory accuracy and organization
• Complete basic equipment inspections and follow safety procedures
• Support team operations and assist where needed

Required Skills & Experience

• Forklift experience required
• Previous experience in material handling, warehouse, or distribution environments
• Comfortable being physically mobile throughout the shift
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 75 lbs as needed (not constant heavy lifting)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions

Preferred (Not Required)

• Driving experience (no CDL required)
• CDL is a plus, but not mandatory
• Interest in future growth opportunities, including backup driver responsibilities if needed down the road

Work Environment & Location

• Currently operating in Des Moines, IA
• Relocating to Ankeny, IA in July — candidates must be able to commute to Ankeny
• Fully on-site role
• Standard warehouse PPE required (safety gear provided)

Why Work Here?

• Stable, long-term opportunity with room for advancement
• Team-oriented environment that values reliability and work ethic
• Competitive pay with merit-based growth potential
• Opportunity to expand skills beyond traditional material handling

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ankeny, Iowa.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/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 Ankeny, Iowa.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 14, 2026.

About Aerotek:

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 solving for 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.

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.