Job Title: Warehouse Operator - 1st Shift
Job Description
The Warehouse Operator on 1st shift plays a key role in daily warehouse operations, including material handling, shipping and receiving, inventory control, and supporting production activities. This position operates a forklift extensively, ensures accurate documentation, and helps maintain an organized, safe, and efficient warehouse environment.
Responsibilities
Wrap pallets securely to prepare outbound shipments for transport.
Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently using a forklift and other material handling equipment.
Complete packing lists and bills of lading (BOL) accurately for all outgoing shipments.
Perform quality control checks on incoming and outgoing shipments to verify accuracy and condition.
Inventory products and place them in the correct warehouse locations to maintain accurate stock levels.
If approved by insurance, drive and complete deliveries to and from the warehouse.
Move work-in-progress (WIP) materials daily to support press, lamination, slitting, and converting operations.
Stage film and other materials in the appropriate areas to support production schedules.
Wrap and weigh finished products to prepare them for shipment or storage.
Collect and organize trim and recycling bags on a daily basis to support waste management and recycling efforts.
Collect and organize core Gaylords to maintain a clean and efficient workspace.
Schedule less-than-truckload (LTL) and parcel pickups to ensure timely shipment of orders.
Use Microsoft Excel and Outlook to track inventory, update records, and communicate with internal and external contacts via email.
Work collaboratively with team members to meet daily operational goals and production timelines.
Follow all safety procedures, use provided personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Essential Skills
At least 2+ years of experience working in a warehouse setting.
At least 2+ years of experience operating a forklift.
Ability to operate a forklift safely and efficiently for approximately 75% of the workday.
Strong material handling skills, including making boxes and cutting cores.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook for inventory tracking and communication.
Experience with inventory control and logistics processes.
Customer service mindset when coordinating shipments and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation, inventory placement, and quality checks.
Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain orderly storage areas.
Ability to learn new processes and procedures quickly and apply them consistently.
Dependability and reliability in attendance and completing assigned tasks.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs.
Clear and concise communication skills for both verbal and written interactions.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Comfort driving company vehicles for deliveries if approved by insurance.
Experience supporting production environments such as press, lamination, slitting, or converting operations.
Familiarity with scheduling LTL and parcel shipments.
Commitment to safety and proper use of personal protective equipment.
Willingness to handle recycling materials and assist with waste management tasks.
Why Work Here?
The company offers a genuinely family-oriented and flexible work culture where work-life balance is respected. Scheduling is adaptable, including flexibility with start times and time away for family needs such as school events or appointments, with opportunities to make up the time. The organization is family owned, maintains a close-knit atmosphere, and has very low turnover, with many team members staying for more than five years. Employees are expected to work hard during their shifts, and in return they are supported, treated with respect, and given a stable, long-term environment to grow in.
Work Environment
The role is based in a smaller, family owned and operated warehouse facility with a tight-knit team and low turnover. Most staff members have been with the company for over five years, reflecting a stable and supportive environment. The position is a 1st shift role, working Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The work involves frequent forklift operation and hands-on material handling in a production-support setting. The dress code requires steel toe boots, jeans or work pants without holes, and a t-shirt. Personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, is provided. The culture is accommodating to personal and family matters while maintaining an expectation of strong work ethic and focus during working hours.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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 Ames,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.
