Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role supports both a lumber yard and a warehouse environment, operating high-capacity forklifts to move long, non-palletized materials and accurately fulfill customer orders. You will work primarily in one area based on performance and business needs, but you must remain flexible to work in either the yard or the warehouse. The position requires comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions, strong attention to safety, and the ability to read and interpret orders, measure accurately, and handle materials using a chainsaw and banding equipment.

Responsibilities

• Read handwritten and system-generated sales orders to determine required products and quantities.

• Review and follow all special instructions noted on each order.

• Operate a chainsaw and other saw equipment to cut lumber or materials to specified lengths.

• Operate sit-down forklifts, including 10,000–12,000 lb capacity forklifts, safely and efficiently at all times.

• Follow all safety rules and regulations while operating forklifts and other equipment.

• Perform daily inspections of forklifts as required, and promptly report any maintenance, repair, or safety concerns.

• Band lumber and other products using a bander machine for storage or shipping.

• Load lumber and materials onto flatbed trucks and secure loads properly for transport.

• Assist in moving inventory for storage within the yard and warehouse areas as directed.

• Store inventory properly, ensuring it is level and covered as necessary.

• Assist with inventory counts and cycle counts as directed.

• Help keep all lanes, aisles, and work areas clean, organized, and clear for vehicle and foot traffic.

• Support general material handling, loading, and unloading activities as needed.

• Cross-train in both the lumber yard and warehouse, starting in the lumber yard and learning additional tasks over time.

• Participate in a structured training period, including learning chainsaw operation, forklift certification and training, and shadowing experienced team members for 1–2 weeks.

• Work overtime when needed, especially during the busy summer season, and remain willing to stay and help out as business requires.

• Perform other work-related duties as assigned and adapt to changes in workflow, priorities, and assignments.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of outdoor forklift experience, preferably on 10,000–12,000 lb capacity forklifts.

• Experience operating a sit-down forklift in a warehouse or yard environment.

• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Strong basic math skills to calculate measurements and quantities accurately.

• Ability to read and interpret handwritten and system-generated orders.

• Ability to use a tape measure accurately to cut materials to specification.

• Willingness to learn and safely operate a chainsaw.

• Comfort handling long, non-palletized materials such as lumber, pipe, or metal.

• Ability to lift, move, and secure long pieces of lumber and other materials safely.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and completing daily equipment inspections.

• Flexibility to work in both the lumber yard and warehouse as business needs change.

• Availability to work typical lumber yard hours (around 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) or warehouse hours (around 9:00 a.m. until final truck is loaded), including optional overtime.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a lumber yard, pipe yard, or metal yard handling long, non-palletized freight.

• Previous experience using a chainsaw in an industrial or yard setting.

• Experience loading and securing flatbed trucks.

• Familiarity with lumber banding equipment and wrapping materials for storage and shipment.

• Material handling and general labor experience in a warehouse or yard environment.

• Comfort working around heavier capacity forklifts and industrial equipment.

• Willingness to cross-train between lumber yard and warehouse operations, starting in the lumber yard.

• Openness to a structured training period including forklift certification, chainsaw training, and shadowing experienced operators.

• Demonstrated reliability and strong attendance, with an interest in long-term growth and advancement.

• Lumberyard, flatbed loading, or similar industrial yard experience is preferred but not required for candidates with strong forklift skills.

Why Work Here?

You join a company that values long-term growth, cross-training, and internal promotion, offering clear opportunities to move into lead, warehouse, or office roles as they become available. The work culture is friendly and family-oriented, with barbecues, snacks, and company events that help build a strong sense of teamwork and community. After converting to a direct employee, you become eligible for performance-based pay increases tied to your attitude and performance, as well as attendance incentives such as gift card rewards and quarterly drawings for larger prizes. This environment supports dependable employees who want stability, recognition, and the chance to grow their careers over time.

Work Environment

The role takes place in both an outdoor lumber yard and an indoor warehouse that handle industrial materials. The lumber yard is fully outdoors, and you work in all weather conditions; rain gear is provided when needed. You will regularly operate sit-down forklifts, including 10,000–12,000 lb capacity units, and work around other industrial-sized forklifts, so occasional fumes may be present but are described as manageable. Typical lumber yard hours are approximately 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., while warehouse hours generally run from about 9:00 a.m. until the final truck is loaded, often ending around early evening. Overtime is optional but frequently available, especially during the busy summer season when weekly hours may range from roughly 44–50 hours, compared with about 40–45 hours in the winter. The environment is hands-on and physically active, involving chainsaw use, banding lumber, loading flatbeds, and general material handling in a safety-focused, industrial yard and warehouse setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tacoma,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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.