Warehouse Operator

Forklift Operator

The Warehouse Operator pulls and prepares customer orders, processes inbound and outbound shipments, and maintains an organized shipping and receiving area. This role focuses heavily on safe and efficient forklift operation, accurate inventory control, and proper documentation of all warehouse activities. The Warehouse Operator supports daily warehouse operations by loading and unloading materials, packing orders to specification, and ensuring a clean and safe work environment.

Responsibilities

• Pull and prepare customer orders accurately while maintaining an organized shipping and receiving area.
• Process inbound and outbound shipments and verify all materials against shipping and receiving documents.
• Load and unload pallets and containers safely and efficiently using appropriate warehouse equipment.
• Operate a forklift for approximately 90% of the workday, including sit-down and stand-up equipment as required.
• Pack shipping containers and product bags according to order specifications and quality standards.
• Ensure accurate inventory counts and maintain proper documentation to track orders and stock levels.
• Sort and organize materials on racks, shelves, or bins based on size, type, and product code.
• Operate various types of warehouse equipment, including sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, and RF scan guns.
• Use RF scanners to locate, pick, and record inventory and to support accurate order fulfillment.
• Coordinate and document shipments, including preparing Bills of Lading and tracking records.
• Report any discrepancies, damages, or quality concerns to supervisors promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment by following all safety regulations and protocols.
• Follow established procedures for material handling, storage, and inventory control.
• Perform additional warehouse duties and tasks as required to support overall operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift up to 55 pounds safely and repeatedly.
• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts.
• Experience operating stand-up forklifts or reach trucks.
• Hands-on experience with forklift operation in a warehouse environment.
• Experience in shipping and receiving processes.
• Ability to use RF scan guns and RF scanners for inventory and order processing.
• Knowledge of basic inventory control practices and procedures.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced warehouse environment and follow safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail when verifying documents, counts, and shipments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience handling materials using various warehouse equipment.
• Familiarity with organizing products by size, type, and product code on racks, shelves, or bins.
• Ability to prepare and handle Bills of Lading and shipment documentation.
• Comfort working with minimal climate control in a warehouse setting.
• Willingness to work overtime, including early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays, as scheduled.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive and employee-focused total rewards package designed to support financial security, health, and work-life balance. The organization offers a highly competitive base pay structure with premium shift differentials and biannual performance-based bonuses through a discretionary 'Rewards for Results' program tied to plant performance. Team members can enroll in a highly competitive medical plan with minimal monthly employee contributions, along with excellent dental and vision programs, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid life insurance, and free tele-med physician services. The company supports long-term financial well-being through a 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% matching. Paid time off is generous, with 17 days of combined paid, sick, and vacation time annually (prorated in the first year). Additional employee-centric perks include tuition reimbursement programs, discounted home and auto insurance options, supplemental life insurance, and other initiatives designed to reward performance and encourage professional and personal growth.

Work Environment

This position operates in a warehouse environment that is not climate controlled, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The role is structured around two primary shifts. First shift typically runs from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with overtime periods extending to 3:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays, where overtime is mandatory but the schedule is posted months in advance to support planning. Second shift generally runs from 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with overtime extending to 1:30 p.m. to midnight and Saturdays, with mandatory overtime schedules communicated well in advance. The work involves frequent forklift operation, material handling, and use of RF scanners, requiring adherence to safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment as provided and required by the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/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 West Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.