Forklift Operator 17/HR Detroit

Job Title: Forklift Operator - 17/HR - 1st Shift

Job Description

This role combines production line duties with sit-down propane forklift operation in an outdoor production and shipping environment. You will set up and operate bagging equipment, move and stack pallets of bagged salt, load and unload flatbed trucks, and maintain accurate production records while working year-round in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Set up machines on the production line by selecting the appropriate preloaded program and initiating operation.

• Operate the bagging machine to fill and seal bags of product according to production requirements.

• Stack pallets of bagged salt safely and efficiently using a sit-down propane forklift.

• Load and unload flatbed trucks and trailers with a forklift, following safe loading patterns and securing product.

• Bag product manually as needed to support production output and quality standards.

• Shovel salt outside to clean up spills and maintain a safe work area around the production site and shipping yard.

• Clean the work area daily, including production equipment and surrounding spaces, to maintain a tidy and safe environment.

• Complete production paperwork accurately during and at the end of each shift, documenting output and other required data.

• Keep accurate records of production data and report information as required by site procedures.

• Rotate between production duties and forklift operation throughout the day as business needs require.

• Participate in Friday clean-up and catch-up activities, or perform full production duties when weekly production is behind.

• Work overtime on Saturdays when needed, including during busy winter months when a six-day workweek is common.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of sit-down propane forklift experience.

• Proficiency operating a forklift to load and unload trailers and to drive in outdoor, uneven, or rough environments similar to lumber yards, junk yards, or construction yards.

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment, including familiarity with production metrics and output expectations.

• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions year-round, including heat, sun, rain, snow, and sleet for the full duration of the shift.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently throughout the shift, including lifting bags of salt on and off the bagging machine.

• Ownership and use of steel-toed boots or shoes suitable for an industrial environment.

• Capability to follow safety procedures and operate equipment in a safe and controlled manner.

• Ability to complete paperwork accurately and maintain detailed production records.

• Willingness to work overtime, including Saturdays, especially during the busy winter season.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Forklift certification is preferred.

• Experience operating heavy equipment is an advantage.

• Experience loading flatbed trucks, including starting in the middle of the trailer and working toward the sides to ensure balanced loads.

• Comfort working in an outdoor production and shipping environment.

• Strong attention to detail and reliability in following established procedures.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a production and logistics team.

• Flexibility to perform both production and forklift duties as needed throughout the shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Detroit, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 Detroit,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.