Forklift Operator

Job Title: Material Handler / Yard Coordinator

Job Description

This role serves as a material handler and yard coordinator on first shift, responsible for operating a sit-down forklift, learning and managing inventory, and moving products throughout the yard in all weather conditions to fulfill customer orders. The position requires working both inside a small shop and outdoors in the yard, handling heavy materials and supporting daily operations in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently to move products throughout the yard and shop.

• Learn and maintain a strong understanding of the company’s inventory, including locations, quantities, and product types.

• Pick and stage customer orders accurately based on prescribed order details.

• Move materials and products in outdoor yard areas in all weather conditions on a daily basis.

• Handle general material handling and general labor tasks as needed to support daily operations.

• Read and interpret inventory documentation, order lists, and related paperwork to ensure accurate picking and stocking.

• Assist with loading and unloading materials, including heavy items up to 75 pounds, using proper lifting techniques and equipment.

• Learn and operate overhead cranes and other material handling equipment in a safe and compliant manner.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in both the shop and yard, including adherence to required personal protective equipment.

• Work collaboratively with a small team to meet production and shipping schedules.

• Interact professionally with customers when needed, providing courteous assistance and support.

• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working around machines, piping, and heavy equipment.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of sit-down forklift operating experience.

• Experience in material handling and general labor in an industrial or warehouse environment.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions on a daily basis.

• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds regularly throughout the workday.

• Ability to read and understand inventory documents and pick lists.

• Willingness and ability to learn overhead crane operation and additional material handling equipment.

• Strong attention to detail when picking orders and managing inventory.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Customer-facing experience is a plus and supports occasional interaction with customers.

• Knowledge of the water or wastewater industry is a plus.

• Plumbing experience or experience in pipe fabrication is a plus.

• Experience with hand and power tools is a nice-to-have.

• Interest in learning new technical skills, including potential development toward a service technician role.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a close-knit team where they are recognized as individuals rather than numbers, working alongside a small group of colleagues in a supportive environment. The role offers a stable first-shift schedule with typical weekly overtime of 5–10 hours, providing both consistency and additional earning potential. Team members benefit from opportunities for internal promotion, including the potential to advance into a service technician role over time. The organization values long-term employment, with many long-tenured employees and a modest-sized workforce across the Midwest that fosters a strong sense of community. When hired on, employees gain access to a 401(k) plan with company match, and they have opportunities to interact directly with customers, building professional relationships and expanding their skills.

Work Environment

The work environment consists of a small shop setting with approximately 6–8 employees on-site and a total workforce of around 42–52 employees across the Midwest. The facility contains various machines and piping, and the shop can be dirty at times due to the nature of the materials and equipment. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, with daily exposure to the elements in the yard. Employees operate forklifts, may learn to use overhead cranes, and work around industrial equipment and piping systems. Steel-toe footwear and jeans or long pants are required at all times as part of the dress code, and adherence to safety practices and personal protective equipment is essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Bettendorf,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.