Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role is responsible for safely operating a forklift to move, load, and store materials within a warehouse or production environment. You ensure materials are handled efficiently, support smooth production and shipping operations, and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and related equipment to move, stack, and load materials or products within the warehouse or production area.
• Load and unload trucks, production lines, and storage areas while following safe material handling practices.
• Transport materials to designated areas for processing, assembly, or shipping according to production schedules.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance checks to ensure forklifts and tools remain in safe working condition.
• Maintain accurate placement, organization, and flow of inventory in racks, staging areas, and production lines.
• Assist with general warehouse and yard duties, including cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a tidy work area.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and measuring tools as needed to support assembly, production, or material preparation tasks.
• Support assembly and machine operation activities, including mechanical assembly, troubleshooting, and working on assembly lines as required.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and work instructions to handle materials and components correctly.
• Follow all safety procedures, company policies, and quality standards at all times.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding workflow, issues, inventory needs, and equipment concerns.
• Participate in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment by meeting productivity, quality, and safety goals.
• Complete overtime assignments after the regular shift and on some Fridays, as needed, to support production demands.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating forklifts in a warehouse, production, or manufacturing environment.
• Current forklift certification or demonstrated ability to become certified for forklift operation.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• AWS D1.1 weld certification required.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend work instructions, safety procedures, and basic documentation.
• Basic computer usage knowledge to support inventory, production, or equipment-related tasks.
• Experience with material handling, including loading, unloading, stacking, and staging materials safely.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to support mechanical assembly and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, measuring tools, and test equipment safely and effectively.
• Capability to work in a fast-paced, performance-driven manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong attention to safety, organization, and accuracy in handling materials and inventory.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Vocational training in a related technical, mechanical, or industrial field is desired.
• Experience in assembly, production, or assembly line work in a manufacturing environment.
• Background in machine operation or mechanical assembly is a plus.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting production or equipment issues.
• Comfort working with schematics and test equipment in a production setting.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with supervisors and coworkers.
• Willingness to work overtime after the regular shift and on some Fridays when required.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that supports health, financial security, career growth, and personal well-being. Available programs include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a retirement 401(k) program; paid vacation and holidays; flexible spending accounts; and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Long-term and short-term disability benefits help protect income, while tuition reimbursement and a high school achievement award program encourage continued learning. A wellness rewards program, prescription drug program, and employee assistance and mental health/substance abuse services support overall wellness. The organization also fosters a strong culture of giving back through grants for volunteers, charitable gift matching, along with recognition programs such as an infant recognition award program. This combination of benefits, recognition, and community involvement creates a supportive and engaging workplace focused on both professional and personal success.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing and production setting that operates at a fast pace and emphasizes performance, safety, and quality. The environment is not climate-controlled, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. Team members work on the 2nd shift, from 3:15 PM to 11:45 PM, Monday through Friday, with overtime expected after the shift and on some Fridays as business needs require. The role involves frequent use of forklifts, hand tools, power tools, measuring tools, and test equipment, as well as interaction with assembly lines, machine operations, and material handling areas. Dress code includes plain-colored t-shirts (blue or gray preferred), jeans, and mandatory steel-toe boots, along with any additional personal protective equipment required for specific tasks. The overall environment is hands-on, collaborative, and focused on meeting production goals while maintaining a safe and organized workspace

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Roanoke, VA.

The pay range for this position is $21.80 - $21.80/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 Roanoke,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 20, 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.