Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator / Warehouse Material Handler

Job Description

The Warehouse Material Handler operates powered industrial trucks and related machinery to safely move products, materials, and supplies throughout the facility. This role loads and unloads items onto trucks, shelves, racks, and pallets using both stand-up and sit-down forklifts in a fast-paced distribution and manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up and sit-down forklifts to move products, materials, and supplies between designated areas within the facility.

• Load and unload materials from trucks, trailers, pallets, racks, and shelves in a safe and efficient manner.

• Handle inventory and materials carefully to prevent damage while transporting and storing items.

• Place materials in designated storage locations and retrieve them as needed to support production and distribution activities.

• Perform basic material handling tasks, including staging, organizing, and consolidating products.

• Assist with unloading incoming shipments and loading outgoing shipments according to instructions.

• Use basic math skills to verify counts and quantities of materials when needed.

• Follow all safety procedures when working around moving machinery and in high or precarious areas.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support safe and efficient operations.

• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate material movements and support workflow.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of experience operating forklifts, including stand-up or sit-down models.

• Proficiency operating stand-up forklifts in a warehouse or distribution environment.

• Proficiency operating sit-down forklifts for loading, unloading, and material transport.

• Demonstrated experience in material handling and inventory support.

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds or more on a regular basis.

• Basic math skills to assist with counts, measurements, and inventory verification.

• Ability to work safely around moving machinery and in a loud, busy production environment.

• Capability to follow safety protocols and operational procedures consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing, production, or distribution center environment.

• Experience unloading trucks and organizing materials in racking or storage systems.

• Comfort working in areas with temperature changes, dust, odors, and fumes.

• Strong attention to detail when handling and placing materials.

• Reliable attendance and willingness to work a rotating 1st shift schedule.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, financial well-being, and peace of mind, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Life insurance coverage adds an additional layer of security. Team members join a large, established operation with approximately 300 colleagues, offering a stable work setting and opportunities to learn within a high-volume distribution and manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing and production environment that operates indoors but is not climate controlled. Conditions may include exposure to high or precarious places, moving machinery, marked changes in temperature and humidity, dust, odors, fumes, and consistently loud noise levels. It can be very hot in the summer and a more typical temperature in the winter. The position follows a 1st shift schedule from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on a rotating basis. Approximately 300 employees work on site, contributing to a busy and active facility. Steel-toe footwear is required, and jeans or shorts with appropriate work attire are expected.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.14 - $18.14/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 Council Bluffs,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.