Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

The Forklift Operator safely operates sit-down and stand-up forklifts and other material-handling equipment to support daily warehouse operations. This role focuses on loading and unloading trucks, moving materials throughout the facility, supporting order fulfillment, and maintaining accurate inventory records while following all safety and operational procedures.

• Operate sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts in a safe and efficient manner, according to facility needs and company procedures.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers, ensuring materials are handled carefully to prevent damage.
• Move pallets, raw materials, finished products, and supplies throughout the warehouse and staging areas.
• Pick, stage, and prepare customer orders for shipment according to work instructions and shipping paperwork.
• Receive incoming materials and verify quantities and item details against shipping documents.
• Put away materials in designated warehouse locations and ensure items are stored correctly and safely.
• Replenish production lines or picking locations with required materials to support continuous operations.
• Use RF scanners or warehouse management systems to track inventory, material movement, and location changes.
• Perform basic inventory counts, assist with cycle counts, and promptly report any discrepancies or issues.
• Inspect forklifts before use, documenting and reporting any safety, mechanical, or operational concerns.
• Secure loads properly on forks or equipment to prevent shifting, tipping, or product damage during movement.
• Maintain clean and organized aisles, docks, staging areas, and workspaces to support safe and efficient operations.
• Follow OSHA requirements, site-specific safety procedures, and company policies at all times.
• Assist with general warehouse duties such as palletizing, wrapping, labeling, packing, and order picking when needed.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding material needs, safety concerns, and workflow priorities.

• Proven ability to operate forklifts and material-handling equipment safely in a warehouse and loading-dock environment.
• Experience with sit-down forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, cherry pickers/order pickers, or clamp trucks is strongly preferred.
• Ability to safely maneuver equipment around pedestrian traffic, racking, trailers, and other powered equipment.
• Capability to lift, carry, and move materials as required by warehouse and material-handling tasks.
• Basic math, counting, and inventory skills to support receiving, picking, and stock management activities.
• Ability to read and understand shipping documents, product labels, and written work instructions.
• Experience using RF scanners or similar devices to track inventory and material movement is a plus.
• Strong attendance and reliability, with the ability to support peak season demands and extended hours when needed.
• Consistent attention to safety, including adherence to OSHA requirements and company safety policies.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain and maintain forklift certification in accordance with company standards.

• Previous forklift or material-handling experience in a warehouse or distribution environment preferred.
• Comfort working in fast-paced warehouse operations with frequent equipment and pedestrian interaction.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures with minimal supervision.
• Strong work ethic, teamwork, and communication skills to collaborate effectively with warehouse staff.
• Willingness to perform general labor and warehouse tasks beyond forklift operation when required.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, peak season workloads, and varying shift demands.
• Basic familiarity with warehouse management systems and inventory control processes.

You join a safety-focused, team-oriented warehouse environment that values reliability, clear communication, and mutual support. The operation offers structured shifts with opportunities for additional hours during busy seasons, providing a chance to increase earnings while contributing to a high-impact logistics workflow. You gain hands-on experience with a variety of material-handling equipment, develop valuable skills in inventory and warehouse operations, and work in a setting that emphasizes training, safe practices, and long-term growth.

This role is based in a warehouse and loading-dock environment with active forklift and pedestrian traffic. Team members work on structured shifts, including a first shift from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a second shift from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. During peak seasons, employees may be asked to start earlier or stay later to meet operational demands. The work involves regular movement throughout aisles, docks, and staging areas, handling pallets, materials, and finished products with powered industrial trucks and RF scanners. The facility emphasizes cleanliness and organization, with a focus on safe equipment operation and adherence to all site safety procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Edison, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $22.00/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Edison, NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Edison,NJ.

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.