Immediate Hirring For Forklift Operator (Davenport - 1st Shift)

Forklift Operator (Davenport 1st Shift)

This role supports a high-volume container management and racking warehouse operation that receives, cleans, repairs, stages, and ships industrial racks, totes, and large plastic containers. You will operate a sit-down forklift for most of the day while also working on the floor and in repair and washing areas to ensure containers and totes are processed accurately and efficiently. The work is straightforward but physically demanding, with a strong emphasis on safety, attention to detail, and consistent communication.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift for the majority of the shift to move, load, and unload containers, racks, and totes throughout the facility.
• Load and unload trucks, following paperwork and shipping documents to ensure the correct containers are picked, staged, and shipped.
• Drive the forklift safely forward and backward in tight spaces, maneuvering around cones and obstacles, and lift and set down pallets accurately.
• Work in inbound process lanes to remove manufacturer tags from incoming containers and racks and prepare them for processing.
• Use a hand scanner to scan and process incoming totes and racks, maintaining accurate records of materials entering the facility.
• Support the tote washing process by loading and unloading plastic totes into washing machines, sorting and staging cleaned totes, and scanning them after processing.
• Stand for the entire shift while performing washing, sorting, staging, scanning, and floor tasks, with regular scheduled breaks.
• Perform light physical tasks that involve frequent bending and handling of totes and containers, while avoiding heavy lifting on washing lines.
• Repair large plastic containers ranging in size from approximately 2x2 to 8x8 feet using hand drills, screwdrivers, and other basic hand tools.
• Inspect containers and racks for damage and perform necessary repairs to ensure they meet quality standards before being returned to service.
• Follow all safety procedures and warehouse guidelines, including proper use of equipment and adherence to facility rules.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors and team members about workflow changes, priorities, and any issues that arise during the shift.
• Support fluctuating work volumes by being flexible and willing to assist in different areas of the warehouse as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including scrubbing grime and residue from containers and equipment when required.
• Work overtime as needed, including up to 10 hours of overtime and Saturday shifts when required to meet operational demands.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of recent general labor or forklift experience.
• Proven ability to operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently in a warehouse environment.
• Ability to pass a forklift driving test, including driving forward and backward through cones and lifting and setting down a pallet accurately.
• Experience with material handling tasks such as loading, unloading, and moving products within a warehouse.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily job duties.
• Ability to stand on your feet for the entire shift while performing repetitive tasks.
• Willingness and ability to work up to 10 hours of overtime when required.
• Availability to work Saturdays as part of the regular schedule when needed.
• Basic ability to read and understand paperwork, tags, and shipping documents to verify correct containers are processed and shipped.
• Comfort using hand scanners to track and process incoming and outgoing materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in a container management, racking, or similar warehouse environment is beneficial.
• Experience working with plastic totes, racks, or large plastic containers is an advantage.
• Familiarity with general labor tasks such as sorting, staging, scanning, and light repair work.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, including hand drills and screwdrivers, for repair tasks.
• Strong attention to detail when removing tags, scanning items, and verifying shipments.
• Reliability and consistency in attendance, communication, and following established processes.
• Comfort working in a physically active role that involves frequent bending and movement throughout the shift.

Why Work Here?

You join a culture that values hard work, teamwork, and open two-way communication in a straightforward, no-nonsense environment. While the work itself is not complex, you are recognized for your effort and reliability. You receive paid holidays after just 30 days of employment, with seven paid holidays available. The paid time off plan is structured to reward long-term commitment: two weeks of PTO in the first year, three weeks after your anniversary, four weeks at your fifth anniversary, and five weeks at your tenth anniversary. This creates a stable and supportive environment where your dedication is acknowledged and your work-life balance improves over time.

Work Environment

The warehouse is a hands-on, industrial environment that is not temperature controlled, so you will experience hot and cold conditions depending on the season and work around dirt and grime that may require scrubbing from containers and equipment. The role involves being on your feet for the entire shift and performing physically active tasks such as bending, moving totes, and operating a forklift. Long sleeves are recommended for comfort and protection in this setting. The Davenport 1st shift runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes 15-minute breaks and a 20-minute lunch; if you leave the facility for lunch, you must clock out. Other site shifts include a 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and a 2nd shift from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Overall, the environment is busy, physically demanding, and suited to individuals who prefer active work in a production-oriented warehouse setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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)