Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator - 1st Shift - $18/hr

Job Description

This role focuses on safely and efficiently operating stand-up forklifts and material handling equipment to move corrugated packaging materials and finished goods within a clean, well-organized warehouse. Working on 1st shift from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, you help ensure accurate picking, tagging, and inventory control that supports on-time delivery and high-quality customer service.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up forklifts and other material handling equipment to move raw materials and finished corrugated packaging products throughout the warehouse.
• Review printed pick lists and verify inventory availability before pulling orders.
• Pick parts and materials accurately according to pick lists, using RF scanners and basic data entry tools as needed.
• Ensure all inventory is correctly tagged and labeled to maintain clear identification and traceability.
• Hand count inventory on the warehouse floor to confirm quantities and support cycle counts or spot checks.
• Verify that quantities, item numbers, and labels match the physical inventory and pick lists.
• Perform basic computer work and general data entry to update inventory records and shipping documentation.
• Cross-check parts and materials against pick lists to maintain high accuracy and prevent shipping errors.
• Maintain mistake-free work by applying strong attention to detail in all picking, labeling, and counting tasks.
• Support overall accuracy and efficiency within the Shipping & Receiving department by following established processes and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and follow instructions from supervisors to meet daily production and shipping goals.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment, and participate in required safety training.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of recent experience operating a stand-up forklift in a warehouse or production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Experience using RF scanners for picking or inventory tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret printed pick lists and follow written instructions.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on maintaining mistake-free work.
• Basic computer skills and ability to perform general data entry.
• Capability to hand count inventory accurately and verify quantities against documentation.
• Reliability in adhering to a 1st shift schedule: 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Ability to work effectively in a shipping and receiving or warehouse environment.
• Steel-toed boots, required as part of safety and dress code.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous material handling experience in a warehouse or manufacturing setting.
• Prior order picking experience using pick lists and RF scanners.
• Familiarity with corrugated packaging, paper, or board manufacturing environments.
• Comfort working in a union environment and following established procedures.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing safety and equipment training.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a clean, well-organized, and temperature-controlled facility that prioritizes safety, accuracy, and efficiency. After 90 days, you have the opportunity to join a union that offers strong health benefits and long-term stability. The environment supports teamwork, professional growth through safety and equipment training, and a consistent weekday schedule that promotes work-life balance.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing and warehouse facility that produces board and paper products for the art industry and custom corrugated packaging solutions. This is a union environment with a clean, well-lit, and temperature-controlled warehouse. You work 1st shift from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The work involves operating stand-up forklifts, using RF scanners, handling corrugated materials and finished packaging, and performing basic computer and data entry tasks. Steel-toed boots are required, and you receive safety training to ensure proper equipment use and adherence to all safety procedures. The setting emphasizes organization, accuracy, and safe material handling throughout the Shipping & Receiving and warehouse areas.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wheeling, IL.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wheeling,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.

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.