Job Title: Forklift Operator
Job Description
This role involves safely and efficiently operating forklifts and other material handling equipment to support storing, shipping, and receiving products in a fast-paced warehouse environment. You will ensure products are accurately handled, free from damage or infestation, and properly documented, while maintaining high standards of safety, security, and productivity. The position requires flexibility to support various warehouse locations based on business needs and offers structured pay progression and productivity incentives.
Responsibilities
Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
Store, ship, and receive products in accordance with company standards for safety, security, and productivity.
Accurately check, count, and verify all products handled, ensuring correct quantities and locations.
Inspect products to confirm they are free from damage and infestation, and report any issues promptly.
Record production code dates and other required information accurately and legibly.
Ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of customer products throughout the warehouse.
Use RF scanners and RF scan guns to perform order picking, inventory control, and shipping and receiving tasks.
Perform general warehouse duties including picking, packing, loading, unloading, and packaging as needed.
Support shipping and receiving operations by staging, loading, and unloading trailers and trucks.
Maintain warehouse cleanliness and organization to support a safe and efficient work environment.
Follow all safety policies and procedures, including proper lifting techniques and equipment operation guidelines.
Collaborate with team members and communicate effectively to meet production and productivity goals.
Adapt to different warehouse areas, including refrigerated environments, as business needs require.
Meet prompt and regular attendance expectations and be willing to work overtime as needed.
Participate in orientation and training, then transition to the assigned shift after the initial training period.
Essential Skills
Ability to read and write in English.
Strong teamwork orientation and ability to work well with others.
Good communication skills to coordinate tasks and report issues clearly.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
Previous forklift experience preferred.
Forklift certification preferred.
Ability to stand for extended periods, including full 8-hour shifts as required.
Ability to lift or transfer 5-30 lbs constantly, 31-50 lbs occasionally, and 51-60 lbs rarely.
Ability to perform general production and warehouse tasks, including lifting up to 45 pounds as part of routine duties.
Self-motivated with a desire and willingness to work hard in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility in hours worked and willingness to work overtime as needed.
Prompt, regular attendance and reliability.
Ability to pass a experience check, physical, and drug screen as a condition of employment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with sit-down forklifts in a warehouse environment.
Experience with stand-up forklifts, including operation in refrigerated buildings.
Experience with reach trucks and pallet jacks.
Hands-on experience in material handling, including loading, unloading, and palletizing.
Experience with RF scanners and RF scan guns for order picking, inventory, and shipping and receiving.
experience in general labor, production, packaging, and order picking in a warehouse setting.
Experience working in fast-paced environments where productivity and accuracy are critical.
Comfort working in temperature-variable environments, including refrigerated areas around 45 degrees.
Ability to adapt to different shifts and schedules, including weekday and weekend shifts.
Willingness to participate in and benefit from productivity incentive programs.
Why Work Here?
You will join a clean, fast-paced warehouse environment that values a strong work ethic, teamwork, and a positive culture. The organization offers quick raises, including a structured pay increase after a successful introductory period, and an incentive program that rewards high productivity with additional hourly earnings. You will benefit from clear training, support during your onboarding period, and opportunities to move into your preferred shift after training. The workplace emphasizes safety, reliability, and mutual support, creating an environment where motivated individuals can grow and be recognized for their performance.
Work Environment
The role is based in a warehouse environment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with initial training conducted on-site. Training hours are typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., after which you will move into your assigned shift. Available shifts include Friday to Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and Monday to Thursday from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Additional schedules such as Monday to Friday 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (stand-up lift in a refrigerated building) and Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (combination of sit-down and stand-up forklifts) may be available based on business needs. The warehouse is clean and very fast paced, with temperatures that can be warm in the summer and cold in the winter, and some areas maintained around 45 degrees. You will work with sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, RF scanners, and other material handling equipment. The environment supports self-directed work with clear expectations for productivity and safety. Warehouse-appropriate attire is required, including closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. Break areas include access to refrigerators and vending machines, and employees bring their own lunch. The organization uses an HR/payroll system for onboarding, and employees provide documentation of identity and work authorization on their first day.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 Cedar Rapids,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 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.
