Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator and Material Handler

Job Description

This role focuses on operating forklifts and handling materials in an outdoor yard environment. You will load and unload trucks, receive and organize shipments, assist will-call customers, and prepare orders on pallets. The position also involves cutting lumber with a chainsaw and using a tablet for order picking and basic data entry. Approximately 80% of your time will be spent off the forklift, actively moving around the yard in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate gas and propane forklifts safely to load and unload trucks and move materials throughout the yard.

• Receive incoming shipments, verify quantities, and document shipping and receiving activities accurately.

• Assist will-call customers by locating, preparing, and loading their orders in a timely and professional manner.

• Package and stage orders on pallets, ensuring loads are secure and ready for shipment or pickup.

• Cut lumber using a chainsaw according to order specifications, following all safety procedures.

• Use an online tablet to pick orders, perform basic data entry, and record inventory and transaction details.

• Accurately count units, record totals, and maintain clear documentation for shipping and receiving.

• Handle general material handling tasks, including pushing and pulling up to 100 lbs and lifting up to 50 lbs as needed.

• Follow all safety guidelines and maintain a clean, organized work area in the yard.

• Work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions while maintaining productivity and safety.

Essential Skills

• Experience with material handling, production, general labor, or similar hands-on roles.

• Forklift experience is a plus, but not required for consideration.

• Ability to work outdoors all day in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

• Capability to push and pull up to 100 lbs and lift up to 50 lbs, with most product moved using forklifts.

• Comfort using an online tablet for order picking and basic data entry tasks.

• Basic computer and data entry skills to record shipping, receiving, and inventory information.

• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication, to count units and verify quantities.

• Strong safety mindset and commitment to following established safety procedures.

• Ability to accurately count units, record totals, and document shipping and receiving activities.

• Reliable attendance and willingness to stay active and on your feet for most of the shift.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous forklift operating experience in a yard, warehouse, or retail home improvement environment is beneficial.

• Experience working in large home improvement or building materials environments (such as big-box hardware or lumber yards) is an advantage.

• Comfort working with gas and propane forklifts in a busy yard setting.

• Willingness to learn new skills and increase proficiency to handle more complex material handling tasks.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail when picking orders, packaging materials, and documenting shipments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Spokane Valley, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Spokane Valley,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.