Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator
Job Description

This role focuses on accurately picking customer orders, replenishing inventory, and supporting shipping activities in a fast-paced warehouse environment. You will operate reach trucks and stand-up forklifts, use RF scan guns to ensure precise inventory control, and work closely with team members to maintain efficient and accurate order fulfillment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain at least 99% picking accuracy when fulfilling customer orders using RF scanners.
• Complete order picks within assigned timeframes while following all location, product code, lot number, and quantity requirements.
• Sustain consistent productivity levels within the assigned warehouse zone.
• Perform timely replenishment (reverse picking) of designated locations with finished goods within required time standards.
• Ensure 100% accuracy in product placement and documentation during replenishment activities.
• Support order picking, replenishing, shipping activities, and daily assignments as directed by supervisors.
• Operate reach trucks and stand-up forklifts safely and efficiently for material handling, picking, and staging orders.
• Use RF scan guns to track inventory movements and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Adhere fully to all company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and warehouse procedures, maintaining zero policy violations.
• Communicate effectively with warehouse personnel and supervisors to support a smooth workflow and on-time order fulfillment.
• Proactively report issues, delays, or inventory discrepancies through established communication channels.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to meet production and accuracy goals.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and ensure tasks are completed according to guidelines.
• Support additional tasks and cross-training needs as required to assist overall warehouse operations.

• In-depth, firsthand knowledge and experience as a forklift operator, including reach truck and stand-up forklift operation.
• Hands-on experience with order picking responsibilities in a warehouse environment.
• Proficiency using RF scan guns for inventory management and order picking.
• Experience with material handling, inventory control, and staging orders for shipment.
• Ability to use desktop applications, including MS Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, MS Word, and MS Excel.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to interpret, understand, follow, and clearly communicate instructions.
• Ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Flexibility to work weekends and extended periods of time when needed.
• Strong initiative, self-confidence, good organizational skills, and excellent time management.

• Bi-lingual (Spanish) skills are a plus but not required.
• Previous experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse environment.
• Comfort using warehouse management systems integrated with MS Dynamics 365 F&O.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all inventory and picking activities.
• Willingness to be cross-trained to support multiple functions within the warehouse.

You will join a family-owned organization that creates educational products and truly believes in promoting from within. The company offers strong job security by sharing facilities with a sister organization and cross-training employees to support multiple operations. You can expect a supportive culture that values growth, internal development, and the opportunity to build a long-term career in a stable and collaborative environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a clean, large warehouse environment that operates at a very fast pace, with over 100 people working on the same shift. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with overtime that may start as early as 5:00 a.m. when needed. The role involves frequent use of reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, RF scan guns, and desktop applications to support daily operations. The environment is highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a busy distribution setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.