Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Warehouse Technician - Seed Production Job Description This role supports all aspects of seed production and warehouse operations, with a strong focus on safe forklift operation, material handling, and accurate inventory control. You will work primarily in a warehouse environment, operating sit-down electric forklifts to move, store, and organize seed products, while also assisting with indoor seed processing and packaging as needed. The position combines hands-on equipment operation, basic mechanical tasks, and electronic data entry to ensure seed is received, processed, packaged, and stored efficiently and safely. Responsibilities Operate sit-down electric forklifts 80-90% of the time to move, organize, and place seed products into storage and shipping locations in a safe and efficient manner. Handle materials by loading, unloading, and stacking seed bags on pallets; manually lift and move bags weighing between 35-65 pounds, with most around 50 pounds. Support indoor seed processing and packaging activities, including receiving, scanning, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, and warehousing seed. Assist with packaging operations by loading bags into packaging machines, monitoring equipment, and loading finished pallets for storage or shipment. Use RF scanners and electronic inventory systems to maintain accurate inventory records, track product movement, and ensure inventory accuracy. Perform data entry using computers and standard software to record production, inventory, and operational information accurately and in a timely manner. Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and site safety requirements, including understanding and applying verbal and written task and safety instructions in English. Support outdoor seed production activities as needed, which may include planting, pollinating, note taking, data entry, and hand harvest. Assist with basic preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment in assigned areas, demonstrating a basic mechanical understanding of machinery. Participate in electronic data collection in field and laboratory settings using PCs and handheld data collection devices, where applicable. Work collaboratively with a close-knit warehouse team, communicating clearly and reliably to meet production and shipping schedules. Adapt to changing priorities and tasks, including cross-training in different areas such as packaging and dock operations as business needs arise. Remain flexible to work extended hours, stay late, or arrive early during peak or busy seasons to support production and shipping demands. Sit, stand, bend, and lift for extended periods as required by warehouse, packaging, and seed production activities. Essential Skills 1-3 years of warehouse experience, including material handling and inventory-related tasks. At least 1 year of forklift operation experience using sit-down electric forklifts in a warehouse environment. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) and/or related experience in warehouse or production settings. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written task and safety instructions delivered in English. Proficiency with MS Excel and MS Office for data entry and basic reporting. Experience using RF scanners or similar electronic inventory tools to track and manage product movement. Basic mechanical ability and understanding of equipment maintenance, including the ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment as needed. Ability to perform accurate data entry using PCs and standard computer systems. Capability to lift and move bags weighing 35-65 pounds repeatedly and safely. Willingness and ability to adhere strictly to all SOPs and site safety requirements. Comfort working primarily inside a warehouse environment and performing repetitive tasks for extended periods. English-speaking skills sufficient to communicate clearly with team members and understand instructions. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in agriculture, seed production, or similar manufacturing environments. Familiarity with packaging operations, including operating or assisting with packaging machinery. Exposure to electronic data collection in field or laboratory settings using PCs and handheld devices. Prior experience working with cooled or temperature-variable warehouse environments. Previous use of RF scanners and electronic inventory systems beyond basic training. Flexibility to cross-train in multiple departments, such as packaging and dock operations. Strong reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to contribute to a close-knit team. Comfort working extended hours or varying start times during peak seasons. Ability to adapt to evolving responsibilities over a 90-180 day period, with potential for longer-term opportunities based on performance. Why Work Here? You will join a close, supportive warehouse team that values reliability, hard work, and collaboration. The environment offers opportunities to build and expand your skills in forklift operation, inventory management, and packaging, with cross-training available across different departments. As you gain experience, you may access additional tools and responsibilities, such as advanced scanning technology, which can enhance your professional growth. The schedule is structured yet flexible during busy seasons, providing a balance between predictable shifts and overtime opportunities. Performance and commitment are recognized, with the potential to extend beyond the initial 90-180 day period for those who excel. Work Environment The position is based primarily in a warehouse environment with some involvement in indoor seed processing and packaging areas, and occasional support for field or laboratory activities as needed. Standard hours are typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the possibility of a 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule when working on docks. The packaging area operates on one shift, while the warehouse operates across three shifts. During busy seasons, you may be asked to stay later or come in earlier to support increased production and shipping volume. Some warehouse areas are cooled to around 50 degrees, while others may become warm, so bringing a sweatshirt or appropriate layers in cooler weather is recommended. You will work with sit-down electric forklifts, RF scanners, PCs, and standard warehouse and packaging equipment. The role requires frequent bending, lifting, and long periods of sitting or standing, and you will be part of a team of around 10 individuals during the main shipping season in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Boone, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 Boone,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026. About 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek