Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

The 1st Shift Forklift Operator safely operates sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and handle recycling materials and garbage throughout the facility. This role performs general preventive maintenance on forklift equipment, assists with a variety of material handling tasks, and supports team members wherever needed. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in a busy, high-volume recycling environment that can be dirty, hot, and loud.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and transport recycling material and garbage throughout the facility.
• Empty full containers and relocate materials to designated areas to maintain efficient material flow.
• Perform general preventative maintenance on forklift equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Assist with operating additional equipment such as skid steers, balers, loaders, and pallet jacks, especially once hired directly or if prior experience exists.
• Handle heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more as part of daily material handling and general labor tasks.
• Support general picking, loading, and material handling activities as needed.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in a recycling environment that can be dirty, hot, and loud.
• Collaborate with team members and help out wherever needed, contributing to a cooperative facility culture.
• Follow all safety guidelines and procedures while operating heavy equipment and working around waste and recycling materials.
• Be available for occasional Saturday shifts, including mandatory Saturdays following holidays, with advance notice.

Essential Skills

• 2–5 years of forklift operating experience, preferably with sit-down gas forklifts.
• 1+ year of small equipment operating experience (such as skid steers, loaders, or similar machinery).
• Demonstrated experience in material handling, including moving, stacking, and loading various materials.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more on a regular basis.
• Experience with general labor tasks in an industrial or warehouse environment.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently around heavy equipment and waste/recycling materials.
• Willingness to work in environments that can be dirty, hot, and loud.
• Reliability in maintaining consistent 1st shift hours and occasional Saturday availability.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating skid steers, balers, loaders, and pallet jacks is highly beneficial.
• Comfort working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather and facility conditions.
• Strong teamwork mindset with a willingness to assist in different areas of the facility as needed.
• Attention to detail when performing preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Ability to manage overtime hours when desired, while maintaining safety and performance standards.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a stable career in an industry with long-term demand and strong job security. Employees benefit from significant upward mobility and clear opportunities for growth within the organization. Overtime is available without a weekly cap, allowing individuals to increase their earnings if they choose. Once hired on directly, team members receive a pay increase and become eligible for a comprehensive full-time benefits plan, including competitive health plan options. The workplace is known for long-term retention, with a large majority of employees staying for more than five years, reflecting a supportive culture and strong employee satisfaction.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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 Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.