Sit Down Forklift Operator/Material Handler

Job Title: Sit Down Forklift Operator/Material Handler

Shift: 6:00am-2:30pm Mon-Fri

Pay: $16.50/hr

Location: Ocala, FL (34474)

Climate Controlled Manufacturing Facility

Job Description

This role involves safely moving desiccant materials throughout a climate-controlled facility using a sit-down forklift and manual handling techniques. You will handle large tote bags and heavy barrels as part of a highly physical, hands-on position that supports daily operations in a clean, organized environment.

Responsibilities

• Move desiccant materials throughout the facility using a sit-down forklift in a safe and efficient manner.

• Transport large tote bags of desiccant with a forklift, ensuring secure handling and proper placement.

• Move large barrels weighing approximately 350 pounds by tilting them on their side and rolling them on the rim, following safe handling practices.

• Perform physically demanding tasks consistently, including heavy lifting and manual material movement, while maintaining safety and productivity standards.

• Use pallet jacks and other material handling equipment to move products and supplies as needed.

• Follow all facility safety guidelines and procedures while operating forklifts and handling materials.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area within the climate-controlled facility.

• Collaborate with team members and communicate clearly to support efficient material flow and daily production needs.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to operate a sit-down forklift safely and effectively.

• Experience using pallet jacks for material handling.

• Comfort with heavy lifting and performing general labor in a physically demanding role.

• Ability to safely move and maneuver large barrels weighing around 350 pounds by tilting and rolling them.

• Willingness and physical capability to perform repetitive, hands-on material handling tasks.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, or material handling environment.

• Familiarity with working in a climate-controlled facility.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.

• Reliability and punctuality for consistent attendance on a fixed first-shift schedule.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a clean, climate-controlled facility that supports comfort and consistency throughout your shift. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and teamwork, providing a stable setting where your material handling skills are valued and put to use every day. A predictable first-shift schedule supports work-life balance and allows you to plan your time outside of work.

Work Environment

This position is based in a climate-controlled, clean facility designed to support safe and efficient material handling. You will primarily operate a sit-down forklift and use pallet jacks to move desiccant materials, large tote bags, and heavy barrels. The role is physically demanding and requires frequent heavy lifting and manual handling of barrels weighing approximately 350 pounds. The schedule is a first-shift role, working from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can expect a structured, orderly environment where safety procedures and cleanliness are prioritized, and appropriate work attire suitable for a warehouse or production setting is required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ocala, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $16.50 - $16.50/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 Ocala,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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.