Forklift Operator

Job Title

Forklift Operator / Warehouse Associate

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable and safety-focused Forklift Operator to join our warehouse and distribution team. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of recent forklift operating experience , strong material handling skills, and experience working in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

In this role, you will be responsible for operating forklifts to move, load, unload, store, and retrieve products throughout the warehouse, including inventory stored at heights of up to 2-3 stories high . You will also assist with order picking, packing, inventory control, pallet wrapping, and general warehouse operations to ensure efficient and accurate product movement.

This position requires a strong commitment to safety, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Forklift Operation

• Safely operate forklifts to transport materials, products, and inventory throughout the warehouse.
• Retrieve products stored in elevated rack locations up to 2-3 levels high.
• Load, unload, and transfer materials between storage locations and shipping areas.
• Maneuver forklifts efficiently in tight warehouse spaces and high-traffic areas.
• Conduct pre-shift forklift inspections to ensure equipment is functioning properly.
• Follow all OSHA and company safety guidelines while operating warehouse equipment.

2. Loading & Unloading

• Load outbound shipments accurately and securely.
• Unload incoming trucks, trailers, and containers safely.
• Verify incoming and outgoing freight against shipping documentation.
• Inspect materials for damage and report discrepancies as necessary.
• Organize freight to maximize warehouse space and efficiency.

3. Inventory Management

• Use RF scanners (scan guns) to track inventory movements.
• Process inventory transactions accurately within warehouse systems.
• Follow manifests, work orders, and shipping documentation.
• Locate and retrieve inventory quickly and accurately.
• Support inventory counts and cycle count activities.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and proper stock rotation.

4. Order Picking & Product Selection

• Pick customer and production orders accurately.
• Select products according to order specifications.
• Verify product quantities and item numbers before shipment.
• Stage completed orders for packing and shipping.
• Meet productivity and accuracy goals while maintaining quality standards.

5. Packing & Shipping Support

• Pack products securely for shipment.
• Prepare orders for transportation and delivery.
• Label packages according to company and customer requirements.
• Ensure shipping documentation is completed correctly.
• Assist with pallet preparation and shipment organization.

6. Pallet Wrapping

• Secure products using stretch-wrap or pallet wrapping equipment.
• Ensure pallets are stable, protected, and shipment-ready.
• Inspect wrapped pallets to prevent shifting during transportation.
• Operate pallet wrapping machines when required.
• Follow warehouse packaging procedures and quality standards.

7. Material Handling

• Move raw materials, finished goods, and shipping products safely throughout the facility.
• Organize warehouse inventory and storage locations.
• Maintain proper product handling procedures to prevent damage.
• Assist with receiving and stocking materials.

8. Warehouse Operations

• Assist with general warehouse duties as assigned.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free from hazards.
• Support shipping, receiving, and inventory teams as needed.
• Participate in warehouse improvement initiatives.
• Help maintain warehouse efficiency and workflow.

9. Safety Compliance

• Follow all forklift safety regulations and operating procedures.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, or accidents immediately.
• Participate in safety meetings and training programs.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrians and warehouse traffic.
• Adhere to company policies and warehouse safety standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of forklift operating experience within the last 2 years .
• Experience working in warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, or distribution environments.
• Experience loading and unloading trucks and trailers.
• Previous inventory handling experience preferred.

Essential Skills

Forklift Operation

• Proven ability to safely operate forklifts.
• Experience retrieving products from elevated storage racking.
• Ability to operate forklifts in narrow aisles and confined spaces.
• Knowledge of daily forklift inspections and maintenance procedures.

Material Handling

• Strong understanding of warehouse material flow.
• Experience moving, storing, and organizing inventory.
• Ability to handle products safely and efficiently.

Inventory Management

• Experience using RF scanners and warehouse management systems.
• Ability to follow manifests, shipping documents, and work orders.
• Knowledge of inventory control procedures.

Warehouse Operations

• Picking and packing experience.
• Pallet preparation and wrapping knowledge.
• Shipping and receiving experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform physical tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to work both on and off the forklift during the workday.
• Comfortable working at heights while retrieving inventory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Forklift certification (preferred but not always required).
• Experience operating:
  • Sit-down forklifts
  • Stand-up forklifts
  • Reach trucks
  • Order pickers
• Experience with automated pallet wrapping machines.
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution centers.
• Strong attendance and reliability record.
• Knowledge of shipping and receiving processes.

Work Environment

This position is based in a modern, clean, and organized warehouse facility . Employees work in a team-oriented environment focused on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Work Distribution

• 40-60% Forklift Operation
• 40-60% Warehouse Duties
  • Picking
  • Packing
  • Inventory control
  • Pallet wrapping
  • Shipping and receiving support

Schedule

Monday through Friday

• Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Full-time position
• Consistent weekday schedule
• Potential overtime based on business needs

Why Join Our Team?

• Modern and clean warehouse environment.
• Stable full-time employment.
• Opportunity to develop warehouse and logistics skills.
• Safety-focused workplace culture.
• Supportive team environment.
• Career growth opportunities within warehouse and distribution operations.
• Consistent schedule promoting work-life balance.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Agawam, MA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Agawam,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 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.