Forklift Operator

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Forklift OperatorJob Description

The Forklift Operator is responsible for loading, unloading, and shipping products in a fast-paced food manufacturing warehouse environment. This role ensures all orders are accurate, properly documented, and meet established quality standards while following strict food safety and sanitation procedures.

Responsibilities

Load and unload incoming and outgoing shipments using forklifts and other material handling equipment.
Verify shipment quantities and inspect product quality to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.
Report any order discrepancies, damages, or quality issues to supervisors promptly.
Complete all shipping and receiving paperwork, including bills of lading and invoices, accurately and on time.
Pick, stage, and load finished products onto trucks according to shipping schedules and customer requirements.
Store materials and finished goods properly in designated warehouse areas to maintain organization and product integrity.
Supply raw materials such as corn and flour to production lines in a timely and efficient manner.
Package products for shipping, including shrink wrapping, labeling, and boxing, following established procedures.
Safely operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts and other warehouse equipment to move products, pallets, and materials throughout the facility.
Perform routine equipment checks and basic preventative maintenance on forklifts and related equipment.
Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of hazards to support efficient operations and safety.
Track inventory levels and shipments and assist with inventory control activities as needed.
Inspect incoming and outgoing materials for damage, accuracy, and compliance with specifications.
Maintain accurate records, counts, and documentation related to inventory, shipments, and warehouse activities.
Follow GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and all applicable food safety and sanitation rules at all times.
Clean equipment, warehouse areas, and workstations regularly to meet food plant sanitation standards.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines.
Handle materials safely and efficiently, including palletizing and organizing products for storage or shipment.
Work on your feet for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as lifting and moving materials as required by warehouse operations.

Essential Skills

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of forklift operating experience is preferred.
Proven ability to safely operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
Experience in shipping and receiving operations within a warehouse environment.
Ability to perform material handling and palletizing tasks safely and efficiently.
Capability to lift, move, and handle products and materials and to work on your feet for extended periods.
Knowledge of general warehouse practices and procedures.
Understanding of food safety practices, including GMP and HACCP guidelines.
Ability to follow OSHA and other safety regulations and use PPE correctly.
Strong attention to detail for verifying quantities, product quality, and documentation accuracy.
Basic recordkeeping skills for maintaining inventory and shipment records.
Ability to work in a structured, fast-paced food manufacturing warehouse environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Previous experience in a food manufacturing or food warehouse setting.
Familiarity with inventory tracking and organization practices.
Experience with packaging processes such as shrink wrapping, labeling, and boxing.
Comfort working with raw materials such as corn and flour and supplying them to production lines.
Ability to perform routine equipment checks and basic maintenance on forklifts.
Strong organizational skills to maintain orderly storage and staging areas.
Reliability and consistency in following established procedures and safety protocols.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports their health, financial security, and long-term growth. Available programs include medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending and health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions; employee assistance and wellness programs; life and AD&D insurance; disability insurance; tuition reimbursement and student loan counseling; an employee referral program; paid time off; and additional benefits designed to promote work-life balance and overall well-being.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing warehouse environment that operates with strict food safety, sanitation, and safety standards. Work is performed around production lines and storage areas where raw materials and finished products are handled, staged, and shipped. The position requires regular use of sit-down and stand-up forklifts and other material handling equipment, as well as frequent lifting, moving, and palletizing of products. Team members work on their feet for extended periods and follow GMP, HACCP, and OSHA guidelines, using appropriate personal protective equipment. The facility emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and adherence to food plant sanitation requirements in all work areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.

\nCompany Description

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.