Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

The Forklift Operator safely moves, loads, and unloads oversized products in a large, fast-paced warehouse environment. Each day begins with safety checks and warm-ups, followed by fulfilling orders using sit-down forklifts, RF scan guns, and a warehouse labeling system. This role plays a key part in accurate order picking, product handling, and maintaining a clean, organized work area.

Responsibilities

• Begin each shift by participating in safety activities and warm-up routines.

• Review the daily order board and plan work based on current priorities.

• Operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently to pick parts throughout the warehouse.

• Use an RF scan gun and labeling system to accurately locate, pick, and track products.

• Move oversized products, including equipment tires and animal nutrients, with care and precision.

• Load and unload products and production materials onto and from truck beds.

• Lift and handle items weighing up to 65 pounds as part of daily tasks.

• Work closely with the supervisor to address and resolve task-related questions or concerns.

• Accurately sort, label, and store picked products in containers or on pallets to maintain inventory accuracy.

• Follow all safety guidelines and warehouse procedures while operating equipment and handling materials.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area, including sweeping and general housekeeping as needed.

• Support overall warehouse, packaging, and distribution operations as assigned.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of recent forklift operating experience, preferably with sit-down forklifts.

• Basic math skills to verify counts, quantities, and labels accurately.

• Ability to lift up to 65 pounds occasionally as part of regular job duties.

• Experience working in a warehouse, production, farm, or similar labor-intensive environment.

• Ability to use RF scanners and follow a labeling system for picking and storing products.

• Capability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume warehouse setting.

• Strong attention to safety when operating forklifts and handling oversized products.

• Ability to follow instructions, communicate with supervisors, and work as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in distribution, warehousing, or packaging operations.

• Experience handling oversized or heavy equipment and products.

• Comfort working around agricultural and animal feed products.

• Adaptability to work different shifts, including potential weekend shifts.

• Reliability and consistency in work history, with a focus on long-term employment.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a strong culture of internal growth, frequently promoting team members into lead or supervisory roles within about a year, along with meaningful pay increases. With multiple locations in the local area, team members can request transfers to find the site that best fits their needs. The organization values straightforward hiring with minimal barriers to getting started and provides a stable, long-term opportunity in a busy operation that supports many different industries.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very large, fast-paced warehouse facility in Cedar Falls, Iowa that supports warehousing, packaging, and rail trans-loading for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, agricultural, industrial, automotive, e-commerce, consumer packaged goods, retail, electronics, corrugated and paper, and pharmaceutical. The primary building is tightly packed with product and includes areas handling animal feed, which can make the environment dusty. Temperatures reflect the seasons, running hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Multiple shifts are available, including 1st shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), 2nd shift (2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), 3rd shift (10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.), and a weekend shift (Friday through Monday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Some roles may be based at a dedicated customer site. Steel-toed boots are required, and acceptable attire includes jeans or shorts (khaki, tan, or denim) with a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt; gym shorts and sweatpants are not permitted. The environment is active, hands-on, and focused on safety and productivity.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $18.00/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 Cedar Falls,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 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.