1st Shift Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

1st Shift Forklift Operator

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Pay: $18-20/hour

Hours:

• 1st: Monday Thru Friday 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Voluntary OT Saturday and Sundays)
• 2nd: Monday Thru Friday 5:00 PM to 3:30 AM (Voluntary OT Saturday and Sundays)

Job Description

This position is responsible for safely operating electric-powered stand-up forklifts and motorized pallet jacks to move products, equipment, and materials throughout a fast-paced, temperature-controlled warehouse. The forklift operator unloads pallets from trucks, stages them on the loading dock, and uses RF scanners to accurately record inventory, including product counts and condition. Once materials are entered into the system, the operator transports and stores goods in designated locations using stand-up and high-reach forklifts. The role also involves loading and unloading materials, completing daily equipment inspections, and consistently following all safety procedures and trailer safety protocols to support safe, efficient, and accurate warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate electric-powered stand-up forklifts and motorized pallet jacks to move products, equipment, and materials throughout the warehouse.
• Unload pallets from trucks using pallet jacks or stand-up forklifts and stage them on the loading dock in an organized and safe manner.
• Use RF scanner guns to accurately record inventory, including product counts and product condition, and ensure all information is correctly entered into the system.
• Transport and store goods in designated warehouse locations using stand-up and high-reach forklifts once materials are inventoried.
• Load and unload materials from trailers and docks while following all trailer safety protocols and communicating effectively with drivers and team members.
• Perform daily equipment inspections on forklifts and pallet jacks to ensure safe and reliable operation, and report any issues promptly.
• Follow all warehouse safety procedures and guidelines, including safe driving practices, proper stacking, and secure staging of pallets.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, cold storage environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in all tasks.
• Support overall warehouse operations by maintaining clean, organized work areas and assisting with general inventory and picking activities as needed.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating stand-up forklifts in a warehouse environment.
• At least 1 year of experience using RF scanner guns for inventory tracking and product identification.
• At least 1 year of experience operating motorized pallet jacks to move pallets and materials.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a cold environment, including cold storage and freezer areas.
• Experience working with inventory processes such as picking, staging, and storing materials.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, trailer safety protocols, and equipment inspection requirements.
• Capability to perform in a fast-paced warehouse environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High reach forklift experience, with additional pay consideration for candidates with this skill.
• Prior experience working in cold storage or freezer warehouse environments.
• Familiarity with loading dock operations, including staging pallets and coordinating with drivers.
• Comfort working voluntary overtime, including occasional Saturdays and Sundays when needed.

Why Work Here?

The company offers long-term career opportunities with clear paths for advancement and internal promotion. Team members have access to voluntary overtime, including weekends, providing the chance to increase earnings while maintaining flexibility. The organization values safety, reliability, and strong performance, creating an environment where dedicated warehouse professionals can grow their skills and build stable, rewarding careers.

Work Environment

This is a 1st shift position with hours from Monday through Friday, with voluntary overtime available on Saturdays and Sundays. The role is based in a temperature-controlled warehouse, where the loading dock is maintained at approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers can reach temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The environment is fast-paced and focused on efficient, accurate movement of goods using electric stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, motorized pallet jacks, and RF scanner technology. Team members are expected to wear appropriate protective attire, including steel toe boots, coats, hats, and gloves, to stay safe and comfortable in cold storage conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sioux Falls, SD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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 Sioux Falls,SD.

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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.