Forklift Operator

1st Shift Forklift Operator

The 1st Shift Forklift Operator safely operates sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and handle recycling materials and garbage throughout the facility. This role supports daily operations by transporting materials, emptying containers, and performing basic preventative maintenance on equipment. The position is highly hands-on, requires comfort working in a dirty, hot, and loud environment, and involves collaborating with teammates to help wherever needed, both indoors and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and organize recycling materials and garbage throughout the facility.
• Transport materials to designated areas and ensure containers are emptied promptly and safely.
• Perform general preventative maintenance on forklift equipment to support safe and reliable operation.
• Assist with operating additional equipment such as skid steers, balers, loaders, and pallet jacks as needed, especially once hired directly or if prior experience exists.
• Support general labor tasks including picking, loading, and material handling to maintain efficient workflow.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including dirty, hot, and loud areas.
• Collaborate with team members and step in to help wherever needed to ensure smooth facility operations.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while operating heavy equipment and performing material handling tasks.
• Handle heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more as part of daily duties.

Essential Skills

• 25 years of forklift operating experience, preferably with sit-down gas forklifts.
• At least 1 year of small equipment operating experience (such as skid steers, loaders, or similar machinery).
• Proven ability to perform material handling tasks safely and efficiently.
• Experience with heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more in an industrial or warehouse setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work in dirty, hot, and loud environments while maintaining safety and productivity.
• Capability to perform general preventative maintenance on forklift equipment.
• Strong awareness of safety practices when operating heavy equipment and handling materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating skid steers, balers, loaders, and pallet jacks is highly beneficial.
• Ability to adapt to changing tasks and support different areas of the facility as needed.
• Willingness to work occasional Saturdays, including mandatory Saturdays following holidays.
• Comfort working both indoors and outdoors in a high-activity facility.

Why Work Here?

You join a highly stable industry that offers strong job security and meaningful opportunities for upward mobility and long-term career growth. The organization provides extensive overtime opportunities without weekly caps, allowing you to significantly increase your earnings if desired. Once hired on directly, you receive a pay increase and become eligible for a comprehensive full-time benefits plan, including competitively priced health coverage. The culture supports long-term tenure, with a large majority of employees staying for more than five years, reflecting a workplace where people feel valued and choose to build their careers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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 Madison, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.