Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently moves product throughout the distribution area, supporting accurate loading, unloading, and inventory management. This role uses sit-down forklifts and inventory tracking software to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly and documentation is completed in a timely and legible manner.

Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift to move product safely and efficiently throughout the distribution area.

• Accurately load and unload product in accordance with customer and vendor orders using railcars, shipping containers, and trailers as needed.

• Handle materials carefully to prevent damage to product, equipment, and facility structures.

• Use inventory tracking software to source and locate product inventory for shipment.

• Ensure all shipments are picked, staged, and prepared correctly based on order requirements.

• Complete all required paperwork accurately and legibly, including shipping, receiving, and inventory documents.

• Follow established procedures for loading, unloading, picking, and material handling.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area within the warehouse and distribution environment.

• Adhere to all safety guidelines, including proper forklift operation and use of required safety practices.

• Twist and turn body as needed while operating equipment and handling materials throughout the shift.

• Work an 8-hour shift, generally standing approximately 25% of the time and sitting approximately 75% of the time while performing job duties.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating a forklift in a warehouse or distribution environment.

• Demonstrated ability to safely load and unload materials from railcars, shipping containers, and trailers.

• Strong material handling skills, including loading, unloading, and picking product.

• Experience operating a sit-down forklift.

• Ability to use inventory tracking software to locate and source product for shipment.

• Capability to complete all paperwork accurately and legibly.

• Physical ability to twist and turn the body up to 75% of the shift while standing and/or sitting.

• Ability to work an 8-hour shift, generally standing 25% and sitting 75% of the time.

• Attention to detail and accuracy in handling orders and documentation.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a safe work environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a warehouse or distribution center environment.

• inventory, picking, and general material handling operations.

• Comfort working in varying temperature conditions and moderate to heavy noise levels.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to meet shipping and receiving goals.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a busy distribution area.

Why Work Here?

Employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage, along with company-paid life insurance and both long-term and short-term disability. A 401(k) plan is available with a company match of 50% of employee contributions up to 6%, helping support long-term financial well-being. The organization offers a generous paid holiday schedule, including a plant shutdown from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day, with listed holidays paid without requiring the use of PTO. Tuition reimbursement is available for relevant schooling or training, supporting ongoing professional development. A wellness program rewards healthy habits, allowing employees to earn between $75 and $150 based on wellness points, and medical premiums may decrease for employees who participate in an annual biometric screening at an on-site wellness fair. Additional wellness perks include a fitness club reimbursement program that provides $20 after eight gym visits in a calendar month and discounts on fitness tracking devices, with up to $30 contributed toward the first Fitbit purchase. A referral bonus program offers a $250 bonus for eligible referrals. Most benefits become available after 60 days of employment, with 401(k) eligibility start at 90 days, providing a clear and timely path to full benefits.

Work Environment

The role is based in a warehouse environment that can sometimes be dark and dusty or dirty, with hot and humid conditions in the summer and cold conditions in the winter. The noise level is typically moderate to heavy, reflecting an active distribution and material handling operation. Work is performed primarily while sitting, with approximately 75% of the shift spent seated and about 25% standing, and requires frequent twisting and turning of the body throughout the shift. Forklifts and other material handling equipment are used regularly, along with inventory tracking software and standard warehouse tools. Employees should be comfortable working in a busy, industrial setting and following all safety practices appropriate for a warehouse and distribution facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Faribault, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $44000.00 - $47800.00/yr.

Health, Dental and Vision benefits packages available for review. $250 referral bonus

Tuition reimbursement for relevant schooling/training to the field

For the Holiday Schedule all days listed are paid without needing to use any PTO. The plant shutdown varies each year based on when the holidays fall but it is always Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day is our shutdown time. President’s Day this year was our floating holiday so that is not always the same.

For the medical premiums the cost does drop for the following year if they do the biometric screen in October at our on-site wellness fair. That information is listed on page 13 in the benefit guide.

There is a wellness program that employees can earn anywhere from $75-$150 based on how many points they earn throughout the year and is paid out to them early January of the following year.

Fitness Club reimbursement program that after 8 visits in one calendar month we reimburse $20 to help with gym membership fees and we provide a discount on fitness tracking devices (fitbit) the company will pay up to $30 on your first purchase of a fitbit whether the purchase is made through the client or if the employee purchases one on their own. client offers company paid life insurance, long term and short term disability, and 401K plans that Faribault Foods, Inc. matches %50 of employee contributions up to %6.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Faribault,MN.

Application Deadline

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

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.