Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator – 1st Shift

Job Description

The Forklift Operator – 1st Shift plays a key role in supporting a high-volume distribution operation by safely operating forklifts and material handling equipment to load, unload, and move inventory throughout the warehouse. This position helps maintain an efficient shipping and receiving flow during a busy period, including major project ramp-ups and volume. The role requires strong forklift skills, attention to safety, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Unload incoming trucks and manage the overall shipping and receiving flow within the warehouse.
• Operate sit-down forklifts, Crown stand-up high reach forklifts, and electric rider pallet jacks to move, stage, and organize inventory.
• Load and unload trailers efficiently while maintaining accurate placement and pallet integrity.
• Support high-volume trailer operations, including managing an expected flow of up to 21 trailers per day.
• Assist with operational ramp-up for seasonal projects and large customer initiatives, including holiday and Costco-related projects.
• Use RF scanners to track inventory movement, perform scans, and support accurate labeling and documentation.
• Re-palletize and shrink wrap pallets as needed to ensure product stability and safe transport.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment in all assigned areas.
• Follow all written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols.
• Participate in hands-on equipment certification and adhere to all warehouse safety standards.
• Lift and move materials up to 50 lbs as part of daily warehouse activities.
• Work independently, manage time effectively, and stay productive with minimal supervision.
• Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing, to coordinate with team members and follow instructions.
• Support inventory movement, staging, and basic inventory control tasks as required.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all site safety requirements.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Proven experience operating Crown stand-up high reach forklifts.
• Experience operating electric rider pallet jacks for material handling.
• Hands-on experience loading and unloading trailers in a high-volume setting.
• Proficiency using RF scanners for inventory movement, tracking, and labeling.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and sustain physical activity in a high-volume warehouse environment.
• Ability to speak, write, and communicate clearly in English.
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage, work independently, and remain productive with minimal supervision.
• Strong awareness of warehouse safety standards and adherence to safety protocols.
• Willingness to work Monday to Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and to work overtime and Saturdays as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a high-volume distribution or warehouse environment.
• Familiarity with palletizing, re-palletizing, and shrink wrapping procedures.
• Experience with labeling and basic inventory control processes.
• Comfort using basic math skills to support inventory counts and documentation.
• Ability to use basic computer tools such as spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) for simple inventory or tracking tasks.
• Comfort working with PPE and following site-specific safety and compliance requirements.
• Prior hands-on forklift certification or willingness to participate in on-site certification.

Why Work Here?

You will join a busy distribution operation where your skills directly support critical, high-visibility projects and seasonal ramp-ups. The environment values safety, efficiency, and teamwork, giving you the opportunity to work with modern equipment and well-defined processes. You will gain experience in a high-volume setting that can strengthen your material handling expertise and open doors for future growth in logistics and warehousing.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, dedicated distribution warehouse with no production activities, allowing you to focus solely on shipping, receiving, and inventory movement. The facility maintains a template-controlled temperature for a consistent and comfortable working climate. Operations are high volume, especially during major projects and end-of-year holiday ramp-ups, creating a fast-paced environment where efficiency and teamwork are essential. Multiple teams work collaboratively across shifts, and you will regularly use equipment such as sit-down forklifts, Crown stand-up high reach forklifts, electric rider pallet jacks, RF scanners, and standard warehouse tools. The site offers a spacious parking lot with more than 600 parking spaces available for staff and contractors. Standard hours are Monday to Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with overtime and occasional Saturdays as business needs increase.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tracy, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Tracy,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.