Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Shift: 6:00am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
Pay: $17.50/hr
Location: Palatka, FL (32177)
Contract-to-hire
Job Description
This role involves operating a propane sit-down forklift to safely move materials throughout production and warehouse areas. You will spend approximately 80% of your time operating the forklift and 20% performing physical labor, supporting a fast-paced operation that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and teamwork.
Responsibilities

• Operate a propane sit-down forklift to load, unload, transport, stack, and stage materials in a safe and efficient manner.
• Move raw materials, finished goods, and products between warehouse and production areas according to production needs.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and shipping containers safely and accurately, following established procedures.
• Perform manual loading and unloading of materials by hand when required.
• Support general labor tasks, including physical labor, to keep production and warehouse areas organized and running smoothly.
• Follow all safety guidelines and protocols while operating equipment and handling materials.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area to promote safety and efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with production and warehouse team members to coordinate material movement and support workflow.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating a sit-down forklift.
• Proven experience loading and unloading trucks safely and efficiently.
• Experience performing general labor and physical labor in a production or warehouse environment.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong attention to safety.
• Capability to perform repetitive lifting, moving, and handling of materials as part of daily duties.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a forklift operator in a production or warehouse setting.
• Experience with loading, unloading, and staging materials for production.
• Comfort working in an open-air environment with changing temperatures and conditions.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and reliability in a shift-based environment.

Why Work Here?
You will join a very large and stable organization that offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, supporting your long-term security and well-being. The leadership team fosters a positive, supportive culture where employees feel respected and valued. You will enjoy a structured schedule with two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch break, promoting a healthy balance between productivity and rest.
Work Environment
This role is based in an open-air, outdoor environment, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions. You will work primarily on the 1st shift, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with possible Saturdays depending on production needs. The position involves extensive time operating a propane sit-down forklift and performing physical and general labor tasks in a production and warehouse setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palatka, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $17.50 - $19.00/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 Palatka,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 19, 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.