Forklift Driver

Forklift Driver

This role supports a modern distribution center by operating a sit-down forklift for the majority of the shift to load and unload trucks, move product throughout the warehouse, and support overall material flow. The position combines skilled forklift operation with general warehouse duties such as receiving, quality control, and pallet consolidation in a clean, stable, and well-equipped facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift for approximately 90% of the workday to move materials safely and efficiently within the distribution center.
• Load and unload trucks throughout the day, ensuring accurate handling of incoming and outgoing products.
• Transport sealed drums and other materials within the facility while following all safety and handling procedures.
• Perform quality control checks on orders to verify accuracy, condition, and proper labeling before shipment.
• Receive incoming products, verify documentation, and put away materials in the appropriate warehouse locations.
• Consolidate pallets to optimize warehouse space and maintain an organized storage layout.
• Print and apply shipping labels using UPS, FedEx, or similar shipping software to ensure correct routing and documentation.
• Follow all warehouse safety guidelines and procedures while operating forklifts and handling materials.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area, including warehouse aisles, loading areas, and storage locations.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate daily tasks and meet distribution schedules.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• 2–5 years of sit-down forklift experience, with proficiency on either electric or gas-powered forklifts.
• Proven ability to safely operate a forklift for extended periods, including frequent loading and unloading of trucks.
• Experience printing shipping labels using UPS, FedEx, or other comparable shipping software.
• Strong attention to detail for performing quality control checks on orders and documentation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in a fast-paced distribution environment.
• Capability to perform physical warehouse tasks such as pallet consolidation, receiving, and put-away.
• Commitment to working assigned shifts, including 1st shift (Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or 2nd shift (Monday–Thursday, 2:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Friday, 11:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a distribution center environment.
• Familiarity with handling drums or similar bulk containers, even if not working directly with open chemicals.
• Comfort working with shipping and warehouse management systems or related software.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain efficient storage and pallet layouts.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic in a high-activity warehouse setting.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-standing, family-owned distribution company known for its stability and strong reputation. The facility offers a modern, comfortable, and air-conditioned environment that supports your well-being throughout the workday. You will work with brand-new equipment in a clean and organized setting, contributing to a dependable operation with consistent hours and a supportive team culture.

Work Environment

The role is based in a distribution center equipped with brand-new equipment, opened in 2020, and designed for efficient material handling. The Wisconsin location is fully air conditioned, providing a comfortable work setting throughout the year. Team members operate sit-down forklifts and transport sealed drums and other materials within the warehouse; they do not handle open chemicals. The environment is fast-paced and focused on loading and unloading trucks, receiving product, and organizing pallets. Standard shifts include a 1st shift (Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) and a 2nd shift (Monday–Thursday, 2:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Friday, 11:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.), offering predictable schedules in a clean, modern, and safety-conscious facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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 North Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.