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Forklift Operator
Career Insights for Forklift / Pallet Jack Operator
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Scorecard
Based on Iowa data
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What they do
A Forklift or Pallet Jack Operator operates forklift machinery used to lift heavy loads or pallets at a construction site, warehouse or factory.
$45,902 / year median in Iowa
+6% projected growth
Job Description
- Job Title: Forklift Operator - 1st Shift $17/HR
- Job Description
- This role supports a high-volume container management and racking warehouse, handling a mix of racks and plastic totes from inbound through cleaning, repair, staging, and outbound shipment.
You will operate a sit-down forklift for most of the day while also assisting with tote washing, container repair, and floor processes such as scanning and tag removal. The position involves consistent physical activity, attention to detail, and clear communication to keep product moving safely and accurately through the facility.
- Responsibilities
- + Operate a sit-down forklift for the majority of the shift to move containers, racks, and totes throughout the facility.
+ Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently, following all site procedures and safety guidelines.
+ Read and interpret paperwork to verify that the correct containers and racks are being loaded, unloaded, and shipped.
+ Support the tote washing process by loading and unloading plastic totes into the washing machine, sorting, staging, and scanning totes as they move through the line.
+ Work on the process lanes for inbound containers by removing manufacturer tags from containers and racks and using a hand scanner to process incoming items.
+ Stand for the duration of the shift while performing tasks that involve frequent bending and reaching, with no heavy lifting required in the washing and floor areas.
+ Assist with repair of large plastic containers ranging in size from approximately 2x2 to 8x8, using hand drills, screwdrivers, and other basic hand tools.
+ Get on and off the forklift as needed to complete related warehouse tasks, including staging, scanning, and verifying loads.
+ Maintain a clean and organized work area, including scrubbing grime and residue from containers and equipment as needed.
+ Communicate consistently with supervisors and team members about workflow, priorities, and any issues that may affect productivity or safety.
+ Follow all safety procedures, including proper equipment operation and safe material handling practices, to prevent accidents and damage.
+ Work overtime as needed, including up to 10 additional hours and Saturdays, to support fluctuating workflow and customer demand.
- Essential Skills
- + At least 6 months of recent labor or forklift experience in a warehouse, distribution, or similar environment.
+ Ability to operate a sit-down forklift and successfully pass a forklift skills test, including driving forward and backward through cones and lifting and setting down a pallet safely and accurately.
+ Demonstrated material handling experience, including loading and unloading trucks and moving product throughout a facility.
+ Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed for certain tasks.
+ Ability to stand for an entire shift while performing repetitive tasks such as bending, sorting, scanning, and handling containers and totes.
+ Willingness and ability to work up to 10 hours of overtime when required.
+ Availability to work Saturdays as needed to support production demands.
+ Comfort working in a physically demanding, fast-paced environment where workflow can fluctuate.
+ Reliability and punctuality to support consistent 1st shift operations.
- Additional Skills & Qualifications
- + Previous experience in container management, racking warehouses, or similar operations is beneficial.
+ Experience with hand scanners for tracking and processing inbound and outbound products.
+ Experience using basic hand tools such as hand drills and screwdrivers for light repair work.
+ Strong communication skills to support two-way feedback about workflow, priorities, and issues.
+ Attention to detail to ensure accurate scanning, tagging, and shipment verification.
- Job Type & Location
- This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Davenport, IA.
- Pay and Benefits
- The pay range for this position is $17.
00 - $17.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 Davenport,IA.
- Application Deadline
- This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) Plans
- Other Retirement and Savings