Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on safely and efficiently operating a sit-down forklift in a busy warehouse environment to support the warehousing and distribution of agricultural products. You will handle loading and unloading trucks, tracking inventory with RF scanners, and performing general material handling and housekeeping tasks during a fast-paced peak season, with strong potential for long-term, direct hire based on performance.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently in a large, fast-paced warehouse.
• Load and unload semi-trucks with product, ensuring accurate placement and secure loads.
• Use an RF scan gun to track inventory and maintain accurate records of product movement.
• Re-stack 60 lb bags as needed and handle materials that require repetitive lifting up to 45 lbs.
• Palletize product according to warehouse standards to support storage and shipping activities.
• Perform general warehouse duties, including organizing materials and maintaining a clean, orderly work area.
• Use pallet jacks and other material handling equipment to move product within tight warehouse spaces.
• Follow established safety procedures and operate equipment carefully in confined areas.
• Complete basic computer tasks related to inventory, paperwork, and product tracking.
• Support team members and contribute to a collaborative, efficient warehouse operation.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of recent sit-down forklift operating experience in a warehouse or similar environment.
• Proven ability to operate a sit-down forklift safely in tight and confined spaces.
• Experience using RF scanners for inventory tracking and product identification.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 45 lbs on a regular basis.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced warehouse environment with changing priorities.
• Basic computer skills to complete inventory tasks and simple data entry.
• Experience with general material handling, including loading, unloading, and palletizing product.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and warehouse procedures consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a material handler or warehouse associate.
• Hands-on experience using pallet jacks and reach trucks.
• Ability to work some Saturdays and adapt to peak season demands.
• Strong attention to detail when tracking inventory and handling product.
• Reliability and strong work ethic with a focus on performance and safety.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, family-operated warehouse team where you are recognized as an individual, not a number. The culture values flexibility for genuine emergencies while maintaining fairness and accountability. High performers have a clear path from contract to hire, with pay progression based on performance rather than tenure alone. Once hired directly, you can access a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 401(k) match, partially paid health insurance, and optional policies for dental and vision coverage. This environment offers stability, a supportive team atmosphere, and the opportunity to grow your skills and career over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large warehouse with approximately 25 employees and a fast-paced operational tempo. The facility can be very cold in the winter, so you must dress warmly, while in the summer it is temperature-controlled to prevent excessive heat. You will operate forklifts in tight spaces and use RF scanners, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment throughout the day. The schedule is primarily first shift, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a paid half-hour lunch and natural breaks during paperwork and related tasks. Saturday hours are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and you are expected to work at least half of the Saturdays or on an every-other-week basis. The dress code requires jeans, steel-toe shoes, and either a safety vest or a neon-colored shirt, which must be obtained prior to starting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of MARENGO, IA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $22.00/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 MARENGO,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

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.