Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

The Forklift Operator safely handles, moves, and organizes freight within a clean, modern facility. This role focuses on loading and unloading inbound and outbound freight, accurately processing shipments, and maintaining a safe and orderly dock area to support efficient warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Safely load inbound and outbound freight to and from vehicles and containers using a forklift and other material handling equipment.
• Unload inbound and outbound containers and sort freight according to size, type, and destination.
• Read, decode, and decipher freight coding to expedite freight movement and support accurate tracing of shipments.
• Reconcile driver pick-up and delivery manifests to ensure all freight is properly documented and accounted for.
• Label, weigh, and dimensionalize freight to support correct billing, routing, and inventory control.
• Perform regular cleanup activities in the work area to maintain safety, organization, and cleanliness on the dock.
• Record damaged shipments and misrouted freight on applicable reports to support quality control and resolution processes.
• Follow all safety procedures and operational guidelines while operating forklifts and other equipment.
• Support general material handling tasks and assist team members as needed to meet operational goals.
• Perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating a forklift in a warehouse, distribution, or freight environment.
• Strong material handling skills, including loading, unloading, and organizing freight.
• Ability to read, decode, and interpret freight labels and coding accurately.
• Experience with basic inventory and freight documentation processes, including manifests and damage reports.
• Attention to detail when labeling, weighing, and dimensionalizing freight.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, moving, and sorting freight throughout the shift.
• Capability to perform all essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background as a Forklift Operator in a warehouse or logistics setting.
• Experience as an Equipment Operator handling various material handling tools and machinery.
• Familiarity with basic inventory and material count processes.
• Comfort working across different shifts and schedules as needed by operations.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills in a fast-paced environment.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from the opportunity to grow in a clean, modern facility that values safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. The environment supports skill development, offers stable, structured shifts, and promotes a culture of reliability, teamwork, and respect.

Work Environment

This role is based in a clean, modern warehouse and dock facility focused on freight handling and material movement. Work involves operating forklifts and other material handling equipment in a busy, safety-conscious environment. Multiple structured shift options are available, including Sun–Wed and Wed–Sat schedules with first shift (6:00am–4:30pm), second shift (4:00pm–2:30am), and third shift (10:00pm–8:30am), as well as Fri–Mon shifts such as 6:00am–6:30pm. The position requires working on the dock and warehouse floor, performing physical tasks, and adhering to all safety and cleanliness standards throughout the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Independence, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Independence,KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.