Material Handler Forklift

Job Title: Material Handler / Forklift and Overhead Crane Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on safely and efficiently handling structural steel and fabricated metal components within a large industrial steel fabrication facility. You will operate high-capacity forklifts and overhead cranes, work outdoors for most of your shift, and support production and shipping activities by moving, loading, and unloading materials while using an ERP system to track inventory and workflow.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and high-capacity overhead cranes (5 ton and larger, up to 20 ton) to move steel and other materials throughout the yard and fabrication shop.

• Handle a wide range of materials, including small fabricated metal components and large structural steel beams and columns.

• Ensure safe, accurate, and efficient loading and unloading of materials from trucks and trailers.

• Operate trucks and other equipment within the yard to support material movement and staging.

• Use proper rigging techniques to secure loads and maintain stability during lifting and transport.

• Follow all safety procedures and protocols while operating equipment and working in the yard and shop.

• Collaborate closely with team members in production, shipping, and yard operations to meet daily and weekly deadlines.

• Utilize an ERP system to track materials, document movements, and support inventory and production processes.

• Inspect forklifts, cranes, and related equipment regularly, report any malfunctions promptly, and support basic maintenance activities.

• Work on your feet for the entire shift, including climbing ladders onto truck beds and walking significant distances throughout the yard.

• Adapt to working in varying weather conditions while maintaining a strong focus on safety and productivity.

• Provide courteous and professional communication with internal teams and external drivers when coordinating loading and unloading activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating overhead cranes with a capacity of 5 ton or higher in an industrial environment.

• Previous experience operating forklifts in an industrial or fabrication setting.

• Hands-on experience working in an industrial environment with raw materials such as steel or similar products.

• Proven ability to operate overhead cranes safely and efficiently, with readiness to operate a 20 ton overhead crane with minimal training on the first day.

• Comfort working on your feet and outdoors for the entire shift, including in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to perform constant physical activity, including climbing ladders onto truck beds and walking up to or more than 5 miles per shift.

• Strong computer comprehension and ability to use an ERP system for material tracking and workflow.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety and adherence to safety protocols in a heavy industrial environment.

• Ability to lift and move heavy objects safely using proper techniques and equipment.

• Excellent communication skills and a team-oriented mindset to support coordinated yard and shop operations.

• Customer service mindset when interacting with drivers, internal teams, and other stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating large-capacity overhead cranes in the 20–40 ton range is highly desirable.

• Experience in structural steel, bridge fabrication, or similar heavy industrial environments.

• Experience with rigging and rigger duties, including load balancing and securement.

• Familiarity with sit-down forklifts, loaders, and other heavy equipment used in yard and warehouse operations.

• Experience in warehousing, yard work, loading, unloading, and material staging in an industrial setting.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow detailed instructions for material handling and placement.

• Stable work history with consistent tenure in previous roles.

• Willingness to join a trade union after conversion to a direct employee, including meeting associated membership requirements.

Work Environment

The role is based in a 180,000 sq. ft. single-site steel fabrication facility, one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. The facility holds AISC certification for work on high-rise buildings, bridges, marine, and other structural steel projects, as well as an AISC Sophisticated Paint, Indoor endorsement (QP3), reflecting years of experience in surface treatments and industrial coatings. You will work primarily in the yard and shop areas, operating forklifts, overhead cranes (including 5 ton and larger, up to 20 ton), and other heavy equipment around structural steel and fabricated components. The position follows a swing shift schedule of Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (4x10s), with occasional overtime on Fridays and Saturdays. The work requires being on your feet for the entire shift, frequent climbing of ladders onto truck beds, and walking long distances—often 5 miles or more per shift—while working outdoors in all weather conditions. The environment is fast-paced, safety-focused, and highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on proper PPE usage, safe material handling, and adherence to industrial safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tigard, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 Tigard,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.