Job Description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role focuses primarily on replenishment activities using forklifts within a busy warehouse environment. You will operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts to move, pick, and prepare products for shipment while maintaining accurate inventory records through RF scanners and basic computer data entry.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts safely and efficiently for replenishment activities the majority of the time.
• Move products and pallets throughout the warehouse using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
• Pick products accurately using RF scanners and follow pick sheets and order sheets to fulfill customer and internal orders.
• Perform inventory counts and cycle counts to maintain accurate stock levels and support inventory control processes.
• Use RF scanners to verify picks and update inventory and order status in the system.
• Prepare products for shipment, including staging, palletizing, and organizing materials for outbound orders.
• Load and unload trucks and other vehicles using forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Move materials between departments such as ITAD, Lab/Config, Shipping/Receiving, Inventory, Picking, and Special Projects as needed.
• Use basic computer applications, including data entry tools and spreadsheets, to record inventory and order information.
• Communicate with warehouse team members and supervisors to coordinate daily tasks and meet productivity and accuracy goals.
• Follow all safety procedures, equipment guidelines, and warehouse policies to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts in a warehouse or similar environment.
• Willingness to learn and operate cherry picker equipment as needed.
• Experience using RF scanners for picking, verifying orders, and updating inventory.
• Hands-on experience with loading and unloading trucks using forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Warehouse operations such as picking, packing, and inventory control.
• Ability to move and handle pallets and materials safely using pallet jacks and other material handling equipment.
• Basic computer literacy, including data entry and familiarity with spreadsheet tools such as Excel.
• Ability to read and follow pick sheets, order sheets, and inventory documentation accurately.
• Comfort using handheld technology such as iPads and smartphones to support warehouse tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in picking, inventory counts, and documentation.
• Reliability and consistency in attendance and performance to support potential conversion to a long-term role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as a warehouse clerk, picker, or in other general warehouse roles.
• Familiarity with inventory control processes and cycle counting procedures.
• Ability to adapt to different departments such as ITAD, Lab/Config, Shipping/Receiving, Inventory, Picking, and Special Projects.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities during ramp and peak seasons.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with a large warehouse team.
• Openness to learning additional warehouse systems, tools, and equipment over time.

Why Work Here?

You join a workplace with a strong, positive culture where people genuinely enjoy working and frequently refer friends and colleagues, resulting in a high number of referral-based hires. Contract roles typically run 4–5 months, with an average duration of over 17 weeks and a strong opportunity for conversion for reliable, high-performing team members. The organization regularly reviews market data to keep pay in the top 25–30% of the local area and offers yearly raises. Once converted to a permanent role, you become eligible within the first 30 days for comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off, along with an initial pay increase. This environment provides stability, advancement opportunities, and the chance to grow within a supportive, data-driven company.

Work Environment

You will work on-site in a large warehouse and office complex with more than 100 employees, though your duties will be based in the warehouse. The warehouse is organized into six major departments: ITAD, Lab/Configuration, Shipping/Receiving, Inventory, Picking, and Special Projects, and you may interact with multiple areas throughout your shift. The facility typically operates two shifts and may add a third shift during busy ramp or peak seasons, with common schedules including 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and 12:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. You will work with forklifts (sit-down and stand-up), cherry pickers, pallet jacks, RF scanners, iPads, smartphones, and computers for data entry and inventory management. The environment is active and fast-paced, with frequent movement of pallets and materials and a focus on safety, organization, and teamwork.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Carol Stream,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 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.

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